South Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The University of West Tennessee

Photographed By Steve Masler, August 3, 2017

1. The University of West Tennessee Marker

Inscription. In 1900, the University of West Tennessee was established by Dr. Miles V. Lynk, M.D. Seven years later he moved it to Memphis. A graduate of Meharry Medical College, Dr. Lynk was editor of the Medical and Surgical Observer, the first medical journal for Blacks, and served as the school's president. UMT offered degrees in a variety of medical fields and played an important role in providing health-care education for Blacks in Memphis. The school closed in 1924

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 128.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Tennessee Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 35° 6.932′ N, 90° 2.164′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in South Memphis. Marker is at the intersection of McLemore Ave and Krayer Street, on the right when traveling east on McLemore Ave. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 785 East McLemore, Memphis, Tennessee 38106, Memphis TN 38106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Robert Karriem (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line);

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Dr. Joseph Edison Walker (about 600 feet away); LeMoyne Owen College (approx. ¼ mile away); The 1960 Memphis Sit-In Movement (approx. ¼ mile away); Forrest's Artillery Positions (approx. ¼ mile away); Edward Shaw (approx. ¼ mile away); Stax Recording Studios (approx. ¼ mile away); Steele Hall (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2017, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 420 times since then and 92 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on August 3, 2017, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.