THE STORY OF TOM DULA (DOOLEY) - Visitors come from all over the world seeking to piece together the murder mystery themselves. 

The story of Tom Dula has intrigued many --- a true story of a love triangle and murder in the Ferguson Community of Wilkes County.  

In 1862, Thomas C. Dula enlisted in Company K of the 42nd Regiment, North Carolina Troops. At the war’s close, Dula returned home to Wilkes County, where he resumed a liaison with Ann Melton, a relationship he had begun in 1859 at the age of fourteen. Ann’s husband, James, as the story goes, may have overlooked her indiscretions.

In 1866, Dula began an affair with Laura Foster.  In May, 1866 Laura Foster disappeared. Her pregnant body was found in a shallow grave; her death was the result of a stab wound in the chest. 

The trial, in the fall of 1866, was shifted to Statesville in order to insure an impartial hearing.  Dula, though defended by ex-governor Zebulon B. Vance, was convicted.  May 1, 1868, Dula was hanged in Statesville Depot in Iredell County.  Dula was buried in the family cemetery near Elkville. Many in the community to this day defend Dula, arguing that he took the fall for Ann Melton.

Explore the Legend of Tom Dooley & Decide for Yourself...

	“TOM DOOLEY: A WILKES COUNTY LEGEND ”     2009 Show Dates: July 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, & 18th Stage production performed in the summer each year by the Wilkes Playmakers, Inc. at the Forest Edge Amphitheatre at Fort Hamby, Wilkesboro. In 2006, the Kingston Trio performed opening night -- the first time an event was held at Forest Edge Amphitheater. The Playmakers first began in 2001 with shows held in Benton Hall, the theater group's main performance location (336)838-PLAY
WHIPPOORWILL VILLAGE    Tom Dooley Museum.  Tom Dooley program video.  The Tom Dula story featured on UNC-TV 1/3/08 DVD, books & other memorabilia available for purchase. (336)973-3237
	OLD WILKES JAIL Tour the Old Wilkes Jail and courtroom where Tom Dula and Anne Melton spent time awaiting trial.  The former Wilkes County Courthouse is now the Wilkes Heritage Museum.  Tom Dula memorabilia available for purchase in the Museum's gift shop.  Plus, experience CandleLight Ghost Tours of the Old Jail and other historical landmarks in downtown Wilkesboro Spring thru Halloween. (336)667-3171
A historical marker is located on NC 268 West at Yadkin River bridge in Ferguson.
--- CLICK HERE to listen to the traditional folk ballad “The Legend of Tom Dooley” or aka "Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley", an instrumental song that an unknown individual posted online.  The best-known version of that song was a bestseller for the Kingston Trio in 1958. --- The story of Tom Dula was the subject of a 1959 film with Michael Landon in the lead role and of an outdoor drama produced in North Wilkesboro in the 1970's.

Explore the Legend of Tom Dooley & Decide for Yourself...