County: Monroe County, Alabama
This Old Federal Road marker tells the story of Joseph Thompson Hare, a nationally known highwayman who operated along this route during the 1840s. His story adds a rougher edge to the history of the road, reminding us that travelers here faced more than distance, heat, mud, and isolation.
Marker Text
OLD FEDERAL ROAD
For a few months between 1841–1848 the nationally known highwayman, Joseph Thompson Hare, operated with his gang along the Federal Road. They headquartered at Turk’s Cave near Brooklyn in Conecuh County. In his confession he referred to the road as the “Gold Mine,” and in one robbery took $3,625.
Erected in 1998 by
Monroe County Heritage Museums
and
J. L. Bedsole Foundation
Old Federal Road Project
The Old Federal Road was one of the most important early travel routes through Alabama. It carried soldiers, settlers, mail riders, stagecoaches, merchants, and families moving through the frontier. This project documents the historical markers, places, and stories connected to that road, one stop at a time.
Joseph Thompson Hare’s story shows that the road also attracted outlaws. A busy road meant opportunity, and Hare apparently saw the Old Federal Road as just that. His own description of it as a “Gold Mine” says plenty.
YouTube Video
Location
County:Â Monroe County
State:Â Alabama
GPS:Â 31.67732, -87.05611