Seale in Russell County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
John Bacon McDonald
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 16, 2013
1. John Bacon McDonald Marker
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
this page online
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. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Columbus. It is also 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 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Seale United Methodist Church
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 16, 2013
2. John Bacon McDonald Marker (reverse)
Other markers no longer nearby. Mitchell-Ferrell-Powell House (was approx. 0.7 miles away but has been confirmed missing); William Augustus Mitchell (was approx. 0.7 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 19, 2014
3. Wide shot of marker area looking south.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 19, 2014
4. Wide shot of marker looking north.
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 1,965 times since then and 63 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.
