The Grave Of Tom Dula (Ferguson, NC)
According to the gravestone, Tom Dula was hanged on May 1, 1866 for the murder of Laura Foster. However, the date on another gravestone at ...
https://www.strangecarolinas.com/2021/04/the-grave-of-tom-dula-ferguson-nc.html
According to the gravestone, Tom Dula was hanged on May 1, 1866 for the murder of Laura Foster. However, the date on another gravestone at the site mentions his death took place in 1868. So either one's wrong, or it took him an incredibly long time to die from the hanging.
They changed Dula's name and turned the killing into a popular murder ballad, "Tom Dooley:"
Hang down your head Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head Tom Dooley
Poor boy you're bound to die
As you can see by the photos, the gravestone has been chipped away by folks who wanted to take a piece home with them. Not cool.
What To Know Before You Go
GPS Coordinates: (36.07476, -81.38150)Location: Tom Dula Road, Ferguson
Rating
Visited Tom Dula's gravesite in August 2022 in Ferguson, NC. From 268 go 1.1 miles along Tom Dula Rd and pull into dirt road with slight rise on left side of street. Park at bottom next to street. Walk uphill 80 paces to steel gate. Do not go through gate. Do not climb over barbwire fence (as dozens have done recently). Stay on path for 240 paces, a completely easy walk, and the the headstone and a marker appear ahead. Take pics, leave no trash.
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