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

Benjamin Franklin Booth

1858–1941

Photographed By R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008

1. Benjamin Franklin Booth Marker

Inscription. Benjamin F. Booth was one of Memphis' earliest and most distinguished African-American lawyers. Starting in 1886, he practiced law for more than 54 years. In 1905, he challenged Tennessee's law authorizing the segregation of black and white passengers on street cars. Some of his cases were heard before the United States Supreme Court. At his death in 1941, Booth was the oldest practicing attorney in Memphis.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 126.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 35° 8.39′ N, 90° 3.195′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Downtown Memphis. Marker is on Beale Street, on the right when traveling south. Cannot be seen from car, as Beale St. is limited to pedestrian traffic. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Memphis TN 38103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lansky Brothers (within shouting distance of this marker); Beale Street #3 (within shouting distance of this marker); Beale Street #4 (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Beale Street #1 (within shouting distance of this marker); Beale Street #2 (within shouting distance of this marker); Hooks Brothers Photography (within shouting distance of this marker); Danny Thomas (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Schools For Freedmen (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Photographed By R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008

2. Benjamin Franklin Booth Marker

Photographed By Christopher Light, September 12, 2010

3. Benjamin Franklin Booth Marker

Located in front of B.B. King's Blues Cafe.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2006, by Amber of Granville, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,694 times since then and 74 times this year. Last updated on December 17, 2020, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. 3. submitted on November 2, 2010, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.