Cahaba in Dallas County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Death in the Street
Photographed by Mark Hilton, January 6, 2018
1. Death in the Street Marker
Dr. Matthew Troy had filed a civil suit against Bell, but at that moment, he was sitting under the shade of a Chinaberry tree in front of his office. Head down, he was reading the paper. When Bell reached Troy, he beat him until the hickory stick broke. Battered and bruised, Dr.Troy rolled into the street.
There three members of the Bell family quickly surrounded him, all with pistols drawn. Fortunately for Troy, his two brothers-in-law ran to defend him. Shots were fired. When the smoke cleared, John A. Bell was dead in the street; his father, John R. Bell was dying.
Dr. Troy recovered from the attack, and won his suit against Bell's estate.
Erected 2015 by the Alabama Historical Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Settlements & Settlers.
this page online
Location. 32° 19.158′ N, 87° 5.76′ W. Marker is in Cahaba, Alabama, in Dallas County. It is at the intersection of Second Street North and Vine Street, on the left when traveling west on Second Street North. Located within the Cahawba Archaeological Park (nominal fee required). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Second Street North, Orrville AL 36767, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. 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 New Spain, 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 walking distance of this marker: Drug Store & the Rooms Above (within shouting distance of this marker); General Lafayette Visits Cahawba
Photographed by Mark Hilton, January 6, 2018
2. Death in the Street Marker looking south on Vine Street.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Old Brick Store (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Crocheron's Row (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Cahaba Drug Store (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Crocheron Columns (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Saltmarsh Hall (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Regarding Death in the Street. On May 23rd, 1856 there was a shootout on main street in Cahawba. John R. Bell and his two sons against Will E. Bird, Matthew Troy and Thomas
Courtesy of Jonathan Matthews, October 10, 2019
3. John R. Bell (father) grave marker in New Cemetery at Cahaba.
Inscription: "No murderer has external life abiding in him"
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Courtesy of Jonathan Matthews, October 10, 2019
4. John A. Bell (son) grave marker in New Cemetery at Cahaba.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, January 6, 2018
5. Entrance sign to the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park Site.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 844 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 11, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3, 4. submitted on April 22, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 5. submitted on January 11, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
