Selma in Dallas County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Lieutenant John Tillman Melvin
United States Navy R.F.
Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, November 6, 2010
1. Erected by Citizens of Selma to Commemorate the Heroism of Marker
to Commemorate the Heroism of
Lieutenant John Tillman Melvin
United States Navy, R.F.
Born Selma, Alabama Oct. 16, 1887 Among the first to volunteer and the first American Naval officer killed in action in our war with Germany. Lost his life by a torpedo from a German submarine while aboard the U.S. Ship Alcedo off the coast of France Nov. 5, 1917.
He gave his life that Democracy and Liberty might live.
Erected by Citizens of Selma.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World I • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is November 5, 1917.
Location. 32° 24.431′ N, 87° 1.259′ W. Marker is in Selma, Alabama, in Dallas County. It is at the intersection of Lauderdale Street and Alabama Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Lauderdale Street. Marker stands on the corner next to the Federal Courthouse and across from the Dallas County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 Lauderdale Street, Selma AL 36701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. 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 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: Federal Building and U.S. Court House (a few steps from this marker); Burning of Downtown (within shouting distance of this marker);
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Selma Movement (was about 700 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, November 6, 2010
2. Lieutenant John Tillman Melvin Marker
Photographed by Mark Hilton, April 26, 2015
3. Area view of marker looking East on Alabama Avenue.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,581 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 7, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 3. submitted on June 19, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
