Marshall McClung
The section of U.S. Highway 129 across the Tennessee mountains and into North Carolina – now known for some time as the “Tail of the Dragon” – has made a name for itself. This is mainly due to the number of motorcycle accidents, including several fatal ones each year.
But this road had a reputation of being dangerous while still little more than a wagon road. The Civil War helped bring much of the danger to the road, as it produced vicious gangs of outlaws.
The Kirkland Bushwhackers led by – John “Bushwhacking” Kirkland – seemed to be the one that operated along this road and into Graham County. Kirkland served as a lieutenant in the Confederate Army at one point during the Civil War, but soon struck out on his own. The Union Army raided the Kirkland farm near Tellico Plains, Tenn., and burned their grist mill. Kirkland swore revenge and soon, the bushwhacking began: but not just on Union Army troops, but also Confederate Army soldiers and anyone else who came along.
One man who met his death along this road was Bas Shaw. There was a battle in December of 1864 in Monroe County, Tenn., between Union and Confederate soldiers. Shaw was taken prisoner by the Confederates. The next day, the Confederates were taking Shaw across what is now U.S. 129 and for some reason, killed him at what became known as Shaw Grave Gap between the 6- and 7-mile markers above the road. There is a short, well-worn trail up to the marked grave.
This was to become one of many deaths on the mountain to follow, as Kirkland’s gang ambushed many an unsuspecting traveler, robbing them and rolling their body over the bank of the road. It got so bad that people traveling the road would stop and spend the night at the toll keeper’s home. Deals Gap was said to be a prime spot for Kirkland’s men to set up an ambush.
What is probably said to be the cruelest crime of all happened to a young couple who just happened along at a bad time. Kirkland’s group had an ambush set for a Union payroll that was going to be coming through the area. However, the couple who had a small baby came along first. They were captured and taken a short distance off the road. They were told to be quiet and they would be let go.
The baby started crying and couldn’t be kept quiet. The men were afraid that this would alert the Union soldiers, so they killed the baby and stuffed the tiny body in a hollow log. When the Union soldiers arrived, they were also killed for the payroll they were carrying.
The grief-stricken couple was left alive to mourn over their innocent child.
Marshall McClung is the historical columnist for The Graham Star. He can be reached via email, mcclungs@email.com.