West End in Dallas in Dallas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Shadow Lines
Photographed by James Hulse, July 17, 2026
1. Shadow Lines Marker
This memorial is dedicated to victims of white supremacist violence in Dallas between 1853 and 1920. We remember Black people tortured and lynched by White mobs to terrorize Black communities. We stand near the place where three Black men were lynched in 1860. After a downtown fire, White business owners accused three men of setting the fire to start a slave revolt: Patrick Jennings, Rev. Samuel Smith, and Cato Miller. We also remember enslaved people who were executed for defending their own bodies, families, and freedom. We remember those whose names we do not know. Standing on this soil, we remember and recommit ourselves to the struggle for a truly inclusive, multiracial democracy.
Names inscribed on the memorial:
Jane Elkins | Hanged on 27 May 1853
Patrick Jennings | Lynched on 24 July 1860
Cato Miller | Lynched on 24 July 1860
Rev. Samuel Smith | Lynched on 24 July 1860
William Allen Taylor | Lynched on 12 September 1884
Allen Brooks | Lynched on 3 March 1910
Reuben Johnson | Lynched on 27 December 1874
Here
These are the things nightmares are made of: ropes, knives, a torn black face, burning flesh, white mobs, their picnics and blood-spattered hands. We want to forget what happened here, but it is impossible not to wonder what broken song in the human heart led to this. What rancid fear tightened the knots, gathered the grinning throngs? All of us live with these echoes: the last screams of a man ripped apart, hung for display, the mobs ruthless laughter. Though we remain tied to these wounds and wary of each other though we dont want to
this page online
Tim Seibles
2023
Erected by the City of Dallas.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. A significant historical date for this entry is March 3, 1910.
Location. 32° 46.724′ N, 96° 48.641′ W. Marker is in Dallas, Texas, in Dallas County. It is in West End. It is on Commerce Street 0.1 miles west of N Houston Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 379 Commerce St, Dallas TX 75202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. 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 New Spain, the Republic of Texas, 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: Shadow Lines by Shane Allbritton and Norman Lee (within shouting distance of this marker); Jane Elkins (within shouting distance of this marker); Fire and Lynchings of 1860 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Triple Underpass (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Grassy Knoll (about 600 feet away); Abraham Zapruder (about 600 feet away); Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark (about 600 feet away);
Photographed by James Hulse, July 17, 2026
2. Shadow Lines Marker
More about this marker. There is no parking at Martyrs Park. The best option is to park near The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza and walk west along Elm Street to the park. Paid parking is available adjacent to the museum.
Photographed by James Hulse
3. Shadow Lines Marker
Photographed by James Hulse
4. Shadow Lines Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, July 17, 2026
5. Shadow Lines Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, July 17, 2026
6. Shadow Lines Marker - Left Side of the poem
Photographed by James Hulse, July 17, 2026
7. Shadow Lines Marker - Right Side of the poem
Photographed by James Hulse, July 17, 2026
8. Shadow Lines Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 8, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
