Courtland in Lawrence County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Red Rovers
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Red Rovers Roster
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 6, 2022
1. The Red Rovers Marker (refurbished)
Commanded by Dr. Jack Shackelford, local physician, company derived its name from color of home spun uniforms, made by citizens of Courtland.
In first battle Rovers were assigned to regiment cut off, captured at Coleta, March 20, 1836. Surrendered on promise of return to U.S.
On March 27, company and others, 365 men, executed at Goliad by order of Gen. Santa Anna. Shackelford and seven other Rovers spared. He later escaped and returned to Courtland. Goliad incident, plus Alamo, rallied U. S. support and guaranteed freedom for Texas.
this page online
*Escaped at execution, on patrol, or on leave when unit captured.
Erected 1964 by Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Texas Independence. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 20, 1830.
Location. 34° 39.995′ N, 87° 18.671′ W. Marker is in Courtland, Alabama, in Lawrence County. It is on Alabama Street. This side of marker facing Courtland Square Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 258 Alabama St, Courtland
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 6, 2022
2. Red Rovers Roster Marker (refurbished)
Regionally, this marker 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 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: A Cotton Kingdom (a few steps from this marker); The African-American Experience (within shouting distance of this marker); The Town of Courtland / Early Settlers (within shouting distance of this marker); Courtland's Early Architecture (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Roads / One of the South's First Railroads 1832 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); American Legion - Post 58 (about 300 feet away); Harris-Simpson Home (about 700 feet away); Courtland Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, August 23, 2009
3. The Square Park in Courtland Al
Also see . . . Joseph Wheeler Plantation. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on August 29, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Tom Bosse, August 23, 2020
4. Grave site of Dr. Jack Shackelford in Courtland Cemetery
Photographed by Tom Bosse, August 23, 2020
5. Grave site of Dr. Jack Shackelford in Courtland Cemetery
Plaque reads: In memory of The Red Rovers and Dr. Jack Shackelford (The Captain)
Presented by The Alabama Society of the Order of the Mexican War (1846-1848)
July 4, 1972
Mrs. Daniel Thompson Webster, organizer
Mrs. D. C. Batson
Mrs. James C. Bonner
Mrs. Georges Bridges
Mrs. Farris H. Craig
Mrs. T.E. French
Mrs. A.M. Grimsley
Mrs. Fred L. Harris, Jr.
Mrs. T.L. Holt
Mrs. Hartwell Holt
Mrs. W.F. Plant
Mrs. Murray White, Sr.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 4,005 times since then and 113 times this year. Last updated on July 13, 2025, by Deborah Spencer of Huntsville, Alabama. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 8, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on March 24, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 4, 5. submitted on August 29, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
