Near Philadelphia in Neshoba County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Goodman, Chaney and Schwerner Murder Site
September 24, 2015
1. Goodman, Chaney and Schwerner Murder Site Marker
Inscription.
Goodman, Chaney and Schwerner Murder Site. . On June 21, 1964, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner were murdered near here by members of the Ku Klux Klan and local law enforcement. They were volunteers for Mississippi Freedom Summer, a drive to register black voters. While investigating the burning of nearby Mount Zion Church, they were arrested and shot. Their bodies were found August 4, 1964. Though no one was indicted for their murder until 2005, the crime sparked national outrage that helped spur passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
On June 21, 1964, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner were murdered near here by members of the Ku Klux Klan and local law enforcement. They were volunteers for Mississippi Freedom Summer, a drive to register black voters. While investigating the burning of nearby Mount Zion Church, they were arrested and shot. Their bodies were found August 4, 1964. Though no one was indicted for their murder until 2005, the crime sparked national outrage that helped spur passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Erected 2013 by Mississsippi Department of Archives and History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 21, 1964.
Location. 32° 39.812′ N, 89° 1.898′ W. Marker is near Philadelphia, Mississippi, in Neshoba County. Marker is at the intersection of County Road 515 and State Highway 19, on the right when traveling west on County Road 515. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Philadelphia MS 39350, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2016. This page has been viewed 2,000 times since then and 206 times this year. Photo1. submitted on March 19, 2016. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide shot of marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
