While in Marietta, I decided to visit the grave of Mary Phagan at the City Cemetery because it was close to the Confederate Cemetery I was visiting. Mary was murdered in 1913 and Leo Frank was accused of the murder. He was later kidnapped from prison & lynched when the Governor commuted his death sentence to life in prison. It was a very sensational case which led to the resurgence of the KKK & the creation of the Anti-Defamation League. Mary’s murder was tragic & is often overshadowed by the really tragic murder of Frank. I wanted to remember her & pay my respects. I was surprised to find her grave adorned with toys & teddy bears, so evidently she’s not forgotten even today.
You’re probably wondering why I wanted to visit & how I know about her. The Frank case is important in US history & that’s how I know about it. (I am a historian, after all. There’s a reason I know all the history questions in Trivial Pursuit). But there’s an additional reason. Brian quite often sings a song from the show, “Parade”, called “Leo’s Statement: It’s Hard to Speak My Heart”. It’s an emotional plea given during the trial asking the jury to believe in his innocence and it’s very moving. So I wanted to honor Mary’s memory and I’m glad I did.
Later at the hotel I was doing a little research on my phone & found this touching article about another visit to Mary. If you’re intrigued by my visit, I’d encourage you to read more about it.
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