Historic Markers Across Tennessee
Schools For Freedmen
Marker ID: |
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Location: |
at the intersection of South Main Street and Beale Street, Memphis, TN |
County: |
Shelby |
Coordinates: |
N 35° 8.421 W 090° 3.278 |
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35.14035 -90.05463333 |
Style: |
Free Standing ** |
Waymark: |
WM35HD
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Text:
The first free "colored" school in the city was opened in early 1863 in a barrack building in South Memphis. In 1864 the U.S. Army issued a general order authorizing its officers to hep with these schools for the education of freedmen. In 1865 there were 9 schools here. All were burned during the May 1866 race riot. In 1868-69 there were again 9 schools in operation in various locations in the city. One of these schools was located in this area. Erected 1980 by Shelby County Historical Commission.
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