Skip to Main Content

Boy Martyr of the Confederacy Captured

Field review by the editors.

Little Rock, Arkansas

The story of David O. Dodd, "Boy Martyr of the Confederacy," has even more unanswered questions than that of Sam Davis, "Boy Hero of the Confederacy."

Dodd was stopped at this spot as he crossed from Confederate into Union territory in late 1863. He was found to be carrying a notebook with Morse code that detailed top secret Union military intelligence. Dodd refused to say where the information came from, so the Yankees hanged him as a spy. Dodd's defenders claim he was an innocent dupe; his accusers portray him as clumsy and confused, but guilty.

There's even debate over his posthumous title; some monuments identify him as "Boy Hero," others "Boy Martyr" (The capture spot monument labels him "Arkansas Boy Hero of the War Between the States"). About the only thing that everyone agrees on is that, at age 17 when he was hanged, Dodd was at least technically a boy.

Boy Martyr of the Confederacy Captured

David O. Dodd Elementary School

Address:
6423 Stagecoach Rd, Little Rock, AR
Directions:
David O. Dodd Elementary School. I-430 exit 1. Turn north onto Hwy 5/Stagecoach Rd. Drive one mile. You'll see David O. Dodd Elementary School on the right. The small stone monument stands just outside the brick front wall of the school, about 50 feet to the left of its entrance door.
Hours:
Gate may be closed after school hours. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Meals Served by Model TrainMeals Served by Model Train, Little Rock, AR - 6 mi.
Bill Clinton Behind BarsBill Clinton Behind Bars, Little Rock, AR - 7 mi.
Hold $1 Million in Your HandsHold $1 Million in Your Hands, Little Rock, AR - 7 mi.
In the region:
Monument: First Human Dissection in Arkansas, Little Rock, AR - 8 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in Arkansas

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Arkansas.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Arkansas Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

Easter Island Moai in America (Mar 25-31, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings