South Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Edward Shaw
Photographed by Steve Masler, May 29, 2015
1. Edward Shaw Marker
In 1870, Edward Shaw became the first Memphis black to run for U.S. Congress. Though he did not win, he was active in politics, serving on the County Commission, the City Council, and as Wharfmaster in the 1870s. In 1875, Shaw was editor of a black newspaper, The Memphis Planet, and, in 1880, he escorted General U.S. Grant, who was in Memphis to visit Beale Street Baptist Church and LeMoyne-Normal Institute.
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 101.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant, and the Tennessee Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 35° 7.159′ N, 90° 2.15′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in South Memphis. It is at the intersection of Dr Hollis F Price Street and Walker Ave., on the right when traveling north on Dr Hollis F Price Street. On the campus of LeMoyne Owen College. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 775 Walker Avenue, Memphis TN
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Regionally, this marker is in West Tennessee. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in the Upper South, in the Mississippi Delta, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hollis Freeman Price, Sr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Steele Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Congregational Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Benjamin Albert Imes (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1960 Memphis Sit-In Movement (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); LeMoyne Owen College (about 500 feet away); LeMoyne-Owen College (about 600 feet away); People's Grocery (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.
Photographed by Steve Masler, May 29, 2015
2. Edward Shaw Marker
Photographed by Steve Masler, May 29, 2015
3. Edward Shaw Marker Site
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,234 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on August 10, 2018, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 29, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
