Hanging sign.

Cursed Hanging Hole of Bill Sketoe

Bill Sketoe was hanged from a tree on Dec. 3, 1864, by the local Confederate home guard as a deserter. He swore he was innocent (he probably didn't actually swear, since he was a Methodist minister), an actively serving soldier on leave to visit his sick wife.

After Sketoe died the hole that had been dug beneath his feet (he was tall, and the branch was low) always remained no matter how many times it was filled!

The hole was finally conquered in 1990, when it was buried beneath tons of rock for a new highway bridge. The original historical plaque at the site is on display at the Newton Historical Society.

Cursed Hanging Hole of Bill Sketoe

John Hutto Park

Address:: Hwy 123, Newton, AL
Directions:: John Hutto Park. North of town. Just north of the bridge across the river on Hwy 123 you'll see a park on the west side. Enter the park, and follow the road that parallels the highway to the parking area. You'll see a little gazebo, and to the west of it a line of trees. The sign is along that tree line, facing the highway, just behind the gazebo. The actual hole is buried beneath the rocks underneath the highway bridge.
Admission:: Free

More on Cursed Hanging Hole of Bill Sketoe

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