Near Purlear in Wilkes County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Tom Dula
In 1868 in neighboring Wilkes County, N.C., the newspaper printed the following: “Thomas C. Dula suffered the extreme penalty of the law by hanging… convicted of murder…” During his last days in jail tradition says he composed his tragic and still popular song in which he confessed stabbing his sweetheart. But the song did not reveal the other woman who may have done the deed. “Poor boy, you’re bound to die…”
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 36° 16.554′ N, 81° 22.731′ W. Marker is near Purlear, North Carolina, in Wilkes County. Marker can be reached from Blue Ridge Parkway (at milepost 264.4). Marker is located at the south end of the Lump Overlook pull-out. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Purlear NC 28665, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mt. Jefferson (approx. 2.3 miles away); E. B. Jeffress Park (approx. 4.9 miles away); Stoneman's Raid (approx. 7½ miles away); Ore Knob Mine (approx. 8.6 miles away); Tobaccoville Barn (approx. 8.6 miles away); Asa Gray (approx. 11.2 miles away); Robert L. Doughton (approx. 11.4 miles away); Fort Hamby (approx. 11.7 miles away).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The Legend of Tom Dooley
Also see . . . The Scary Truth: The Legend of Tom Dooley. NC Ghosts website entry (Submitted on December 28, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 342 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 23, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.