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Mountain Tom Clark Historic Site: An Outlaw's Grave

Discover the legend of Mountain Tom Clark, the outlaw buried under a Florence, Alabama road.

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Visit the Mountain Tom Clark Historic Site in Florence, Alabama, to discover the legend of a notorious outlaw buried beneath the road. This historical marker commemorates a dark chapter in the region's past, blending fact and folklore.

A brief summary to Mountain Tom Clark Historic Site

  • Florence, Alabama, 35630, US

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Florence Cemetery to explore more local history and notable gravesites.
  • Read the historical marker carefully to understand the context of Mountain Tom Clark's life and the events surrounding his death.
  • Consider visiting during daylight hours for better visibility and safety, as the site is located near a busy street.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Florence City Cemetery entrance on East Tennessee Street, the Mountain Tom Clark Historic Site is a short walk. Head east along East Tennessee Street; the historical marker is located near the center of the road. Be cautious of traffic as you approach the marker.

  • Driving

    If driving from downtown Florence, take US-43/US-72 East (East Tennessee Street/Florence Boulevard). As you approach the Florence City Cemetery on your right, be aware that the historical marker for Mountain Tom Clark is located in the center of East Tennessee Street. Exercise caution when pulling over to view the marker. Parking is available nearby.

  • Public Transport

    If using public transportation, start at the Florence Transit Center. Take the bus route that heads toward the Muscle Shoals area. You may need to transfer at the Muscle Shoals Transit Center to access a specific route that goes towards the US-72 W area. Make sure to inform the driver of your destination (Mountain Tom Clark Historic Site) so they can assist you.

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Discover more about Mountain Tom Clark Historic Site

The Mountain Tom Clark Historic Site, located in Florence, Alabama, marks the final resting place of Thomas Marion "Mountain Tom" Clark, a notorious outlaw of the post-Civil War era. Clark terrorized Lauderdale County with his gang, committing robbery, torture, and murder. After his capture in 1872, an enraged mob stormed the jail and lynched Clark and two of his accomplices. Legend says that Clark boasted, "No one will ever run over Tom Clark!". In a twist of grim irony, the mob buried him beneath Tennessee Street (now Florence Boulevard) so everyone would literally run over him. While the exact location of his remains is debated, a historical marker near the Florence Cemetery commemorates the site. Visiting the site offers a glimpse into the tumultuous times of the Reconstruction South, marked by lawlessness and vigilante justice. The Mountain Tom Clark Historic Site is a reminder of a dark chapter in the region’s past.

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