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Episode 111 The 1912 Hillsville Massacre

The Hillsville Massacre has been described as one of the most bizarre incidents in Virginia criminal and legal history. Floyd Allen, the patriarch of the Allen clan, known for feuding, moonshining and violence, was executed after he stood trial for triggering the 1912 courthouse massacre. A century later one question has never been answered…who really fired the first shot? The is the story of The Hillsville Massacre.

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Episode Photos

Floyd Allen. Photo: Library of Virginia
Claude Allen Photo: Library of Virginia
“Allen Gang” captured after courthouse shooting. Photo: The Day Book (Chicago), April 29, 1912

Episode Sources

Gunfight in courthouse after guilty verdict left 5 dead, 7 wounded. New York Daily News. July 4, 2021
Floyd Allen (1856–1913). Encyclopedia of Virginia.
Courthouse Tragedy. The Carroll County Historical and Society Museum
The Hillsville Massacre. The Roanoker. November 1982
Floyd Allen. Murderpedia

Episode Music

Loneliest Road in America by Jesse Gallager  Licensed under Creative Commons
Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Pantherburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use