SOUTHERN LEGENDS
THE PHANTOM OF THE HIGH IRON
The Legend of Railroad Bill
Morris Slater, an African American outlaw known as “Railroad Bill,” terrorized railroad lines across southern Alabama by hopping freight trains, robbing cargo, and selling the goods cheaply to local residents.
He eluded heavily armed posses for over a year, inspiring tales of supernatural shape-shifting abilities.
Feature Story
THE OUTLAW WHO TRICKED THE GALLOWS
The Daring Last Stand of Rube Burrow
Known as the “Alabama Robin Hood,” Lamar County native Rube Burrow led one of the most notorious train-robbing gangs in the American South.
Known for his charm and daring escapes, he once famously tricked prison guards into untying his hands before pulling a smuggled gun from a sack of food. His run ended in a dramatic final shootout in 1890, sealing his status as a legendary folk outlaw.
The Alabama Edit
YOUR ALABAMA HISTORY EDIT
THE NIGHT THE STARS FELL ON ALABAMA
On November 13, 1833, a colossal meteor shower lit up the Alabama sky, causing widespread panic and leaving a lasting mark on local folklore.
SILK AND THE WILDERNESS
French exiles established a colony near Demopolis, attempting to cultivate grapes and olives on a rugged frontier. Though their experiment ultimately failed, it remains a fascinating chapter.
THE FREE STATE OF WINSTON
In 1861, the independent citizens of Winston County declared their own secession, creating the "Free State of Winston" and resisting Confederate conscription.
THE LEAP OF THE RED EAGLE
During the Creek War, William Weatherford (Red Eagle) made a daring escape by riding his horse off a high bluff into the Alabama River, miraculously surviving gunfire.
More Incredible Stories
STORIES THAT SHAPED ALABAMA
THE CLOTILDA AND AFRICATOWN
In 1860, the Clotilda made an illicit run, bringing captive Africans to Mobile. Its legacy lived on in the community of Africatown.
FAIRHOPE’S SINGLE-TAX EXPERIMENT
In 1894, reformers established Fairhope, a colony built on Henry George's single-tax philosophy. Against all odds, it became a thriving settlement.
BART THRASHER: THE TERROR OF BIBB COUNTRY
A ruthless outlaw who used intimidation and violence across Bibb County, becoming one of Alabama's most feared figures in the early 1900s.
THE SMOKE OF MOBILE: THE COPELAND CLAN
James Copeland and his gang burned a courthouse to destroy evidence and carried out elaborate crimes across southern Alabama before his capture.