Anniston in Calhoun County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

The Burning Bus

— Freedom Riders National Monument —

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 26, 2023

1. The Burning Bus Marker

Inscription. While the Riders awaited rescue, the bus continued to burn. The Anniston Fire Department extinguished the flames and administered oxygen. A state trooper called an ambulance, but it took Cowling to force the driver to carry the injured black Riders as well as the white to Anniston Memorial Hospital.

The Greyhound bus, itself, was towed to Birmingham for evidence collection. Thus far, no one knows what happened to it after that: replicas are all that exist.

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° 49.872′ 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: 1029 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. Horror and Disbelief (here, next to this marker); Pursuit / Trapped (here, next to this marker); Rescue / Escape (here, next to this marker); The Ambush / The Police (here, next to this marker); Triumph (here, next to this marker); Prelude / Arrival

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(here, next to this marker); The Photograph (here, next to this marker); The Segregationists (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.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 26, 2023

2. The Burning Bus Marker

Featured marker is the right one of three between the bus tires.

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 226 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.