DECATUR-CEOTA (Celebrating Early Old Town with Art), an Alabama Nonprofit Corporation, proudly announces the upcoming relocation of the historic home of the late Judge James E. Horton Jr., presiding judge of the infamous Scottsboro Boys Trials held in Decatur, Alabama in the early 1930s. The transport of this significant piece of history will take place on Thursday October 5th through October 8th, commencing in Greenbrier, Alabama, and concluding at its new location in Old Town Decatur, Alabama.
Judge Horton’s home will serve as part of the Scottsboro Boys Civil Rights Museum currently being developed in Old Town
Decatur. The house will operate as a legal learning center within the museum complex, providing valuable educational resources and immersive experiences to visitors. The acquisition of the residence would be a remarkable addition to the museum and further strengthen its historical authenticity.
The Scottsboro Boys Trials were a pivotal moment in American history, where nine young black boys were falsely accused and convicted of raping two white women, Ruby Bates and Victoria Price, on a train in Alabama. Remarkably, Judge James E. Horton Jr. recognized the gross miscarriage of justice and vacated the verdicts. His courageous decision came at a great personal cost, as he faced tremendous backlash from the predominantly white community, ultimately leading to the end of his political career. The trials also resulted in two landmark Supreme Court rulings: Norris v. State of Alabama and 
Patterson v. State of Alabama.
The former house of Judge Horton, a symbol of his courage and dedication to justice, will find its new home in Decatur’s Old Town. The transport process will commence on Thursday, October 5th and Friday, October 6th, with the house temporarily resting on Garrett Rd. in the Greenbrier area. On Saturday, October 7th, at approximately 9 p.m., the journey will begin towards Decatur, with an estimated arrival in Old Town on Sunday morning, October 8th, around 3:00 a.m. The residence will be located at 212 Church Street NW, Decatur, Alabama.
Frances D. Tate, a representative of CEOTA, shared her excitement about this momentous occasion. “The relocation of Judge Horton’s historic home marks a significant milestone in preserving the legacy of the Scottsboro Boys Trials and celebrating the progress made in civil rights. We encourage the community to join us in commemorating this event and honoring the remarkable courage displayed by Judge Horton.”
Media Release/Frances D. Tate, Founder/CEOTA (Celebrating Early Old Town with Art)/Scottsboro Boys Civil Rights Museum
