Arley, Alabama
Deep in the heart of The Free State of Winston
On January 11, 1861 the State of Alabama seceded from the Union. Deeply perturbed, the people of Winston County held a political convention on July 4, 1861 at Looney’s Tavern, near Addison. A resolution was adopted to the effect that Alabama had no right to secede from the Union; but if she did have such right, then Winston County had the same right to secede from Alabama. Uncle Dick Payne, a Confederate sympathizer, remarked, “Oh, oh, Winston secedes! The Free State of Winston!’ Winston did not secede, but ever after she has been beloved of her sons and daughters and fondly known as “The Free State of Winston”.
Marker is on County Route 41, on the left when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
