In October 1889, four years after Dothan was incorporated, a riot started over a tax the city levied on every commercial dray that travelled the city streets. The Farmers’ Alliance refused to pay the tax, and the leader was arrested. On the day of his trial, the arresting Deputy encountered the leader’s son and friends and a riot ensued on Main Street, near the town’s water well. The riot left two dead, several wounded, and more arrested.