Cleveland in Bradley County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The Boys Monument

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 26, 2022

1. The Boys Monument

Inscription. These young men were killed in a R.R. wreck near Thaxton, VA, July 2, 1889 while en route to Europe. The body of Will Steed alone was recovered and interred in the city cemetery. This monument is erected in loving remembrance of the three by their associates and friends

In Memoriam
Will C. Steed Born July 1857
Will F. Marshall Born Sept 1867
Jno M. Hardwick Born Aug 1858

Erected by Associates and friends of the three deceased men.

Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is July 2, 1888.

Location. 35° 9.843′ N, 84° 52.386′ W. Marker is in Cleveland, Tennessee, in Bradley County. It is at the intersection of North Ocoee Street (Tennessee Route 74) and 8th Street, on the left when traveling north on North Ocoee Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 N Ocoee St, Cleveland TN 37311, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker and monument is in East Tennessee.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

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 walking distance of this marker: Confederate Memorial (here, next to this marker); Hardwick-Jarnagin House (within shouting distance of this marker); Cleveland Bradley County Public Library Facilities (within shouting distance of this marker); Craigmiles House

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Masonic Female Institute (within shouting distance of this marker); Craigmiles House—Carmichael Annex (within shouting distance of this marker); Darlia McLuhan Conn Forum and Tower (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lee College (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cleveland.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Also see . . . Dan Casey: A new sign marks site of 1889 train wreck in Thaxton. smithmountainlake.com (Submitted on July 3, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia.)

The Will C. Steed side of the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 26, 2022

2. The Will C. Steed side of the Marker

The Will F. Marshall side of the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 26, 2022

3. The Will F. Marshall side of the Marker

The Jno M. Hardwick side of the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 26, 2022

4. The Jno M. Hardwick side of the Marker

The wide view of the Boys Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 26, 2022

5. The wide view of the Boys Monument

The scene of the Railroad wreck image. Click for full size.

Norfolk and Western Historical Photograph Collection, circa 1889

6. The scene of the Railroad wreck

The wreck at Thaxton, viewed from the southern side of the washout, is captured in a faded photograph from the Norfolk and Western Historical Photograph Collection. The train, carrying 56 passengers and 18 crew, plunged into the washout crossing, killing 18 people.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 639 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 3, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.