Dismilis Canyon

Dismilis Canyon is a sandstone gorge in Franklin County, Alabama. Dismals Canyon is one of only a few places where insects called dismalites (Orfelia fultoni, a distant relative of Arachnocampa) can be found. The larval forms of these flies emit a bright blue-green light to attract food and mates. They cover the canyon the canyon is home to two waterfalls, Secret Falls and Rainbow Falls, and six natural bridges. It was declared a National Natural Landmark in May 1974.
The canyon, located 10 miles west of the Sipsey Wilderness, was first inhabited by Native Americans over 10,000 years ago. When Europeans arrived, they gave the canyon its name. Some believe it was named for the Dismals in Scotland, some say it was because early pioneers thought of it as being a supernatural place. Whatever the reason, Dismal Canyon is now known as Alabama’s last secret hiding place.” Chickasaw Indians were held captive in the canyon for two weeks before embarking on a forced journey along the Trail of Tears. Several outlaws have allegedly hidden in the canyon, including Jesse James, Rube Burrows Gang and Aaron Burr one of the Vice Presidents of the United States.
Along the canyon floor the temperature drops 14 degrees, a true respite from the Alabama heat of summer. The path along Dismal Branch is vibrant green with moss and ferns, such as Secret and Rainbow water falls and the towering boulders of Witch’s Cavern and Temple Cave. There are six natural bridges of rock and water flows at times under the rocks. Of course there’s this little oddity known as the Dismalites (Orfelia fultoni, a distant relative of Arachnocampa). They are known as natures glow sticks for each night after twilight these young larvae emit a bright blue-green light to attract food. It is a spectacular natural light show illuminating the canyon.

Allan Pinkerton put several men full time on the James-Younger case and pulled out all the stops in trying to capture of kill the James-Younger gang. Some of his operatives were under cover agents for years even though they did work other cases at times.
In Franklin County Alabama there were as many as fifteen Pinkerton Agents on occasion working to catch the James-Younger gang. Twice the Pinkerton agents with Deputy U.S. Marshals rode into the Dismals Canyon area after the outlaws to no avail. The Pinkertons also went into Jackson County Alabama hunting cave where the James Gang might hide. One occasion they had a running gun battle with outlaws and found that they were no part of the James-Younger gang but the men which were confronted were wanted for stagecoach robberies in Mississippi.