Scottsboro in Jackson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Friendship Park
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The Decision That Saved the Sons of Scottsboro
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 13, 2021
1. Friendship Park / The Decision That Saved the Sons of Scottsboro Marker
After the Korean War ended, Mark and Charles returned to Scottsboro and together started General Equipment Co. which supplied equipment to farmers throughout the area for over 30 years. They raised their families here, gave deeply of themselves to the town and county, led in their churches and stood as positive role models to all who knew them. In retirement, both dedicated their lives again
this page online
The landscaping along this entrance to Scottsboro stands as a testament to two great men and two great friends. It is also a welcome to our great city. It was made possible by a generous grant from the Bynum Foundation and is a joint effort of the City of Scottsboro and the Alabama Department of Transportation.
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 13, 2021
2. Friendship Park / The Decision That Saved the Sons of Scottsboro Marker
Captain Bradford's bold decision saved the Sons of Scottsboro. He always believed the hard, commonsense lessons God taught him in Germany on December 21, 1944, enabled him to make a courageous decision on April 21, 1951, in Korea — a decision which saved Company B from certain death. The men of Company B believed it also.
Of Captain Bradford and Major Mark Skelton the men of Company B would say, “they recruited us, they trained us, they took us to war, they brought us home safely, and we are forever grateful.” The bond formed in Korea, and especially in that valley in April 1951, only grew stronger upon return to Scottsboro. Men and officers revered and respected one another, and all were life-long friends.
This monument stands in thanksgiving to Almighty God for the men of Company B, to honor their service, to remember the men who led them to Korea and who brought them safely home, and especially to memorialize forever the courageous decision which defied orders, but saved the lives of the Sons of Scottsboro.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War, Korean.
Location. 34° 39.951′ N, 86° 1.107′ W. Memorial is in Scottsboro, Alabama, in Jackson County. It can be reached from Veterans Drive (Alabama Route 35) north of Lee Highway (U.S. 72), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Scottsboro AL 35768, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Robert Thomas Scott, Sr. / Robert Thomas Scott, Sr. (a few steps from this marker); Robert Thomas and Elizabeth Scott, Sr. Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert E. Jones, Jr. / Jones House (approx. Ύ mile away); College Hill Historic District (approx. Ύ mile away); Jackson County Courthouse And The Scottsboro Boys (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named Robert Thomas Scott (approx. one mile away); Gen. Andrew Jackson (approx. one mile away); Union Civil War Encampment in Scottsboro (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scottsboro.
Another marker is no longer nearby. First Baptist Church (was approx. 0.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Regarding Friendship Park / The Decision That Saved the Sons of Scottsboro. Charles Bradford died in 2009, and Mark Skelton died in 2015.
Also see . . . Saving Captain Bradford (PDF). By David Bradford in the January, 2016 edition of the Jackson County Chronicles, the Jackson County Historical Association's newsletter. The referenced article begins on page 39. (Submitted on February 16, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,123 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 16, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
