Anniston in Calhoun County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Ambush / The Police
— Freedom Riders National Monument —
The silence didn't last long. Anniston Klansman William Chappell and a screaming mob of about 50 white men surrounded the bus. An 18-year-old Klansman, Roger Couch, lay on the pavement in front of the bus to block any attempt to leave. Couch later told the FBI he suffered "an epileptic fit." The mob, carrying metal pipes, clubs, and chains, milled around menacingly, some screaming "Dirty Communists" and "Seig Heil!"
[Caption (photo on far right)] After the driver opened the door to allow a passenger on, undercover highway patrol agents Eli Cowling (pictured) and Harry Simms hurried to the front to stop anyone from entering. They leaned on the door levers to get the doors closed and sealed while the mob smashed windows, dented the sides of the bus, and slashed tires. The siege continued for 20 minutes.
The Police 1:10 p.m. - 1:25 p.m.
Anniston police arrived on the scene around 1:15 p.m. even though they were only a block away at 1200 Gurnee, and had been alerted throughout the morning that there might be trouble. They examined the damage but made no attempt to arrest anyone. Then without warning, officers cleared a path and motioned for the bus to exit.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Law Enforcement • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is May 14, 1961.
Location. 33° 39.481′ N, 85° 49.87′ W. Marker is in Anniston, Alabama, in Calhoun County. Marker can be reached from Gurnee Avenue south of West 11th Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1031 Gurnee Ave, Anniston AL 36201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pursuit / Trapped (here, next to this marker); Prelude / Arrival (here, next to this marker); Horror and Disbelief (here, next to this marker); The Segregationists (here, next to this marker); The Burning Bus (here, next to this marker); The Selection Process (here, next to this marker); Who Were the Riders? (here, next to this marker); The Freedom Rides (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anniston.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 180 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.