10/07/2026
In the late 1800’s in Lauderdale County, there was Mountain Tom Clark and the Bu**er Gang. One of the most notorious band of outlaws in Alabama history - known to rob, pillage, torture, and murder their victims. Having fought for both the Confederacy and the Union, Mountain Tom had no allegiance to anyone but himself. His raids on Florence were brutal and he spared no mercy for anyone - killing just about everyone they robbed - including children. He was said to have killed close to 40 people alone. When Clark was finally captured in September of 1872 *dressed as a woman*, the residents of Florence caught wind and wanted to taste justice themselves. That night, locals overpowered the prison guards, drug him out to downtown where a poplar tree was. An irishman climbed the tree and in a thick irish accent requested, “pass up the rope, pass up the rope, lets not keep the gentleman waiting.” There he was hung swiftly. Throughout his outlaw career, he boasted, “no one ever ran over me.” Therefore the residents of Florence buried him under Tennessee Street, where he’s ran over every single day.
Want to listen to this spooky outlaw story as well? Our close friend Payton Ray Pruitt just released his song titled ‘Mountain Tom.’ Payton also has personal ties to Tom Clark - his family was rumored to both have had run ins and rode with the Bu**ers. Thanks to Payton for sharing his history and also helping with the design of these pieces.
Available now, online and in the flagship general store.
