Stevenson in Jackson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Flight 800 Memorial
Photographed by Karen Emerson-McPeak, September 26, 2017
1. Flight 800 Memorial Marker
Early on the morning of Wednesday, July 17, 1996 hearts and minds overflowing with excitement for the journey five of our friends, neighbors and kinfolk, left Stevenson, Alabama, bound for Paris, France.
That evening, at sunset, TWA Flight 800 fell with them into the Atlantic Ocean, just off the south coast of Long Island, New York.
All 230 souls aboard perished.
The tragedy touched towns and cities large and small, throughout America and around the world. But, save for Montoursville, Pennsylvania, and its 21 students and teachers, Stevenson lost more than any other place.
Here, at the crossroads of our town, we remember them
and the promise, hope, joy faith and love which they were.
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there shall thy hand lead me
and thy right hand shall hold me.
This memorial stands on land given by Coastal Lumber Company, Inc in 2006 for the express purpose of building this memorial. It was built by the City of Stevenson. Dedicated July 17, 2013.
names on the wall:
Michael Scott, Barbara Scott, Joe Scott, Tom Weatherby, and Brenda Privette.
Erected 2013 by City of Stevenson
this page online
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is July 17, 1996.
Location. 34° 52.045′ N, 85° 50.23′ W. Marker is in Stevenson, Alabama, in Jackson County. It is at the intersection of Kentucky Avenue (Alabama Route 117) and River Road, on the right when traveling south on Kentucky Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Stevenson AL 35772, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker and memorial is in North Alabama. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Stevenson Depot and Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Harker (approx. 0.4 miles away); Union Army Headquarters (approx. 0.4 miles away); Averyville (approx. 0.7 miles away); Bennett's Cove Cabin (approx. 0.9 miles away); Wet, Wild, and Wonderful (approx. 1.2 miles away); Crow Town (approx. 1.3 miles away); Phillip Hamman (approx. 7.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stevenson.
Regarding Flight 800 Memorial. The probable cause of the accident was the explosion of flammable fuel vapors in the center fuel tank. The likely ignition source was a short circuit. Problems with the aircraft's wiring were found, including evidence of arcing in the fuel quantity indication system (FQIS) wiring that enters the tank. The FQIS on Flight 800 is known to have
Photographed by Karen Emerson-McPeak, September 26, 2017
2. Flight 800 Memorial Marker
Photographed by Karen Emerson-McPeak, September 24, 2017
3. Flight 800 Memorial Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2017, by Karen Emerson-McPeak of Triune, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,753 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 30, 2017, by Karen Emerson-McPeak of Triune, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Clear wide shot of memorial. (In other words, a brighter wide view photo of the memorial). • Can you help?
