Seale in Russell County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
John Bacon McDonald
Near here is the site of the plantation of John Bacon McDonald who was born February 8, 1859. He entered the United States Military Academy on June 14, 1876, after finishing the tutelage of Colonel John M. Brannon of Seale and Captain Jerry J. Slade of Columbus. On June 11, 1881, he was graduated from West Point. He served in the Geronimo Campaign in 1885 and as an Indian Scout; the Philippines; and later Europe during World War I. In 1923 he was promoted to Brigadier General.
General McDonald received the following decorations: Distinguished Service Cross; Distinguished Service Medal, by the United States; Croix de Guerre (with palm) by France; Croix de Guerre by Belgium; and War Cross by Italy. He was the son of Joseph Bibb and Henrietta Alston McDonald. His father, active in the Confederate cause, was a prominent member of the Seale Bar, of which a state historian wrote, "Illumined the pages of the legal profession in Alabama." General McDonald died in Washington, D.C., on March 15, 1926. He was buried from St. John's Episcopal Church and interred at Arlington.
Erected 1979 by Historic Chattahoochee Commission and the Russell County Historical Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World I • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Medal series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1941.
Location. 32° 18.357′ N, 85° 9.98′ W. Marker is in Seale, Alabama, in Russell County. Marker is on Longview Street, 0.4 miles north of Chapel Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 71 Longview St, Seale AL 36875, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Seale United Methodist Church (approx. half a mile away); Creek Settlements in Russell County (approx. half a mile away); The Second Creek War in Russell County (approx. half a mile away); Early Russell County and the Town of Seale (approx. half a mile away); Old Russell County Courthouse (approx. half a mile away); Holland McTyeire Smith (approx. ¾ mile away); The Old Federal Road (approx. 1.6 miles away); William Bacon Oliver (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Seale.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2013, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,406 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 22, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 2. submitted on October 16, 2013, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3, 4. submitted on October 19, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.