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Editor's Notes
Those who committed this crime should know that what they did is considered a felony and is being investigated by the Alabama Bureau of Investigations (ABI). I and park director Jim Long both have every confidence in the ability of the ABI investigators to collect whatever clues were left behind by the thieves. With today's forensic technology, crimes are much more easily solved than in the past, and I hope whole-heartedly that this one is solved quickly. I also hope that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The park has offered a $100 reward for any information leading to the arrest. That may not sound like much to some, but with the park's limited budget, it is a lot. This theft really bothers me because of the historical significance of the marker. I am a history buff. I am by no means an expert, but I do love learning about our state's history. This marker recognized the first settlement in what would become the territorial capitol of Alabama, which is the most significant time in our state's history. It is a shame that someone had no more respect for that history and the heritage of our state than to desecrate and destroy something that paid homage to it. When Jim called me about it, it was as if I couldn't get from Jackson to St. Stephens quick enough. I knew that this story had to be reported, so that we could get word out to the public as soon as possible in hopes of getting the marker returned. Not only does this put a blotter on our local community, it also hurts the descendents of those first settlers who are named on the marker. I really do not understand crimes of this nature, because there is nothing the thieves can conceivably do with it without drawing attention to themselves, unless it is to brag to others of their caliber. In that case, I hope that one of their cohorts decides he or she wants the reward worse than keeping their acquaintance's secret. By the way, if it is discovered you knew about this crime and didn't report it you could possibly be charged as an accessory to it. I certainly do wish that I knew who committed this horrific act, because I would be the first to squeal. I wouldn't do it for the reward money, because I would just donate that back to the St. Stephens Historical Society to keep them from having to pay it out. If anyone out there has any information about this theft, please contact Jim Long at Old St. Stephens Historical Park at 246- 6790, or the Washington County Sheriff's Department at 847-2202. Information received will be forwarded to the ABI investigators.
I can promise you one thing, when this crime is solved I will be more than happy to publish it on the pages of The South Alabamian, along with the names of those who committed it.
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