The Elmore Bolling Historic Site is the site of the lynching of thirty-nine year old Elmore Bolling. He started an inclusive trucking and transportation business venture that began to elevate the standards of living for black Lowndes County residents. This lynching took place on US Highway 80, which is now designated as both a National Historic Trail and a National Scenic/All American Road, all that occur on a section that Elmore Bolling helped build. Historic Marker on Highway 80 near mile marker 114 dedicated to Elmore Bolling. The marker was dedicated on the 60th anniversary of the death of Elmore Bolling.
Enraged whites, jealous over the business success of a Negro are believed to be the lynchers of Bolling, who was found riddled with shot gun and pistol shots 150 yards from his general merchandise store. It is believed that more than one person figured in the murder but Producers Commission Company Union Stock Yards white employee, resident of Braggs is the only person held. He was released on $2,500 bond.
Bolling’s small trucking business frequently hauled cattle to the Montgomery stock yards. The man, working at the stock yards passed daily in front of the Negro’s business. He inferred that Bolling “insulted” his wife in a telephone conversation. Bolling, married, father of seven children had an excellent reputation in this community. Those who “know” say Bolling has long been a “marked man” since he was rated by whites here as “too successful to be a Negro.”
–from the Chicago Defender & the Montgomery Advertiser
Location:
32.26778937882947, -86.5901176000371
Intersection of US Highway 80 East
& Steel Haven Road
