Honoring the past: A push for a Historical Marker in Bolivia

BOLIVIA, NC (WWAY) — More than six decades ago, a plane crash claimed the lives of dozens in a wooded area of Brunswick County. On January 6, 1960, National Airlines Flight 2511 crashed, killing 29 passengers and 5 crew members. Among those killed were Linda Bufano’s parents, who died when she was just five years old.

Although the official investigation remains open, many believe the crash was caused by a dynamite bomb detonating onboard. For Linda, however, the event’s significance goes beyond her personal loss.

“My understanding was that Congress was working on legislation to prevent a copycat bombing for insurance money,” Bufano says. “There are many factors beyond just the fact that my parents were on that plane.”

Now, Linda is working to ensure the event is not forgotten. She is seeking the community’s help in placing a historical marker near the crash site, located off Galloway Road in Bolivia. To do so, she needs to show that the crash holds historical importance, not just personal significance.

Linda believes it’s essential for the town to reflect on this event. “It brought the community of Bolivia together,” she says. “Everybody was working to move the bodies where they needed to be moved. It was a catastrophe, and the community came together.”

Since Linda lives out of state, she reached out to Bolivia’s Mayor, Nancy Cook, for assistance in honoring the event. The connection was personal for Mayor Cook as well.

“It struck a nerve with me because we were about the same age—I was almost five, and she was five,” Mayor Cook says. “Though the crash site is technically outside the town limits, it falls within the Bolivia zip code, and many of the people affected are part of the Bolivia community.”

The mayor also emphasized the historical significance of the crash. “It’s been 65 years, and so many people have either forgotten or were not alive at the time. I think it’s important to bring attention to it—not just for Linda and her family, but for all the others who lost loved ones.”

Linda is set to submit her application to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources by March 15th, hoping for approval. Mayor Cook encourages anyone interested in supporting the marker or learning more to reach out- @townhall.bolivia@atmc.net.