Near Bankston in Fayette County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Killingsworth Gin
⎯⎯⎯
Dry Creek Post Office
Fayette County
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, September 5, 2026
1. Killingsworth Gin Marker
Wiley and JM Killingsworth owned and operated the sawmill located on Boxes Creek just off the Byler Road. In August 1903, the Killingsworths added a cotton gin. On October 19, 1903, 6 year-old Sam Killingsworth was involved in a gin accident in which both arms were torn off. Owner J.M. mangled his left hand trying to free Sam. Sam survived and led a successful life. He is buried near his arms at New River. Within 10 years, two other accidents occurred at the gin. The gin moved to Carbon Hill in 1918, then moved to Five Points in Fayette. At that location, J.C. Killingsworth began operation on August 26, 1929. Later, his son Carlos took over operation, which ceased in 1979.
(Reverse Side)
The Byler Road opened settlement in this area when it was authorized and completed. John Hellums was the first settler to purchase land here in 1822, followed by William Box in 1823. The New River Baptist Church organized in 1826. James Killingsworth bought land here in 1859. James' son, William, served as the only postmaster of the Dry Creek Post Office. Located directly on the Byler Road, the post office opened
this page online
Erected 2026 by Byler Road Tourism Alliance and Alabama Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 33° 49.654′ N, 87° 39.959′ W. Marker is near Bankston, Alabama, in Fayette County. It is on Selman Road one mile south of County Road 44, on the left when traveling south. Selman Road is closed at the Boxes Creek Bridge. The marker is on the southern side of the bridge but if you come from the north you can walk across the bridge to the marker. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1051 Selman Rd, Eldridge AL 35554, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, September 5, 2026
2. Dry Creek Post Office Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: New River Baptist Church (approx. Ύ mile away); New Liberty Church and Cemetery / O'Possum Trot School (approx. 2 miles away); Dobbs, Alabama (approx. 3 miles away); Dublin Post Office (approx. 3 miles away); Tidwell Cemetery (approx. 3 miles away); Berea Church of Christ (approx. 3.8 miles away); Handy Post Office (approx. 6.1 miles away); Camp Springs / The Junction (approx. 7.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bankston.
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, September 5, 2026
3. Killingsworth Gin / Dry Creek Post Office Marker
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, September 5, 2026
4. Killingsworth Gin / Dry Creek Post Office Marker
Looking south from the closed Boxes Creek Bridge
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, September 5, 2026
5. The Boxes Creek Bridge
Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 5, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
