Shelton Laurel Massacre Roadside Marker, Belva
This marker is part of the NC Historic Highway Markers Program. It is a metal plaque placed atop a metal rod. It is at the intersection of HWY 208 and HWY 212 in the Belva community of Madison County. It commemorates a famous case of Southern unionism in which eight Union sympathizers were accused and later executed for stealing salt from local stores and confederate stock piles. The event has become known as the Shelton Laurel Massacre. The marker is placed eight miles from the place of execution and the mass grave in which the Unionist were buried in by Confederate troops. The grave site is marked with a modern marker.
Thirteen men and boys, / suspected of Unionism, / were killed by Confed-/ erate soldiers in early / 1863. Graves 8 mi. E.
NC Department of Cultural Resources
October 1988
35.935000 , -82.743310
View in Geobrowse
Yes
Cast metal
NC Cultural Resources Department, Ms. Paul Shelton, Rick Dillingham, Alex Stoesen
The inspiration from the marker came after the Historic Highway Marker’s program director Michael Hill attended a conference and heard “Victim’s” author, Phillip Paludin speak. Intentionally placed eight miles from gravesite to protect against desecration. The marker has never been replaced.
The marker is placed on the intersection of NC HWY 208 and NC HWY 212.
The marker is situated on a highway intersection on the banks of a small creek.
Know anything else about this monument that isn't mentioned here? If you have additional information on
this or any other monument in our collection fill out the form at the Contact Us link in the footer. Thank you.
