Pulaski in Giles County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Professor John Thomas Bridgeforth

Pioneer in Education

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 6, 2020

1. Professor John Thomas Bridgeforth Marker

Inscription. Born in Giles County in 1870, J.T. Bridgeforth was educated at A&T State College. In the early 1900's he became interested in securing a county school for black children living outside the city limits of Pulaski and was the prime mover in organizing the Broadview School. He served as the principal of Broadview from 1900 to 1925 and at Pulaski High School from 1925 to 1936. When the Board of Education erected a new school for all black high school students in 1937 they honored Professor Bridgeforth by naming the school after him. He served as the school's first principal and retired from the teaching profession in 1938. Professor Bridgeforth was an astute Latin scholar and mathematician and was greatly influenced by the principles of Booker T. Washington.

Professor Bridgeforth helped organize the Tennessee State Association of Teachers in Colored Schools and served as the organization's fifth president. He taught summer school at A&I State College for several years and was a minister of the Giles County AME Church.

Erected by City of Pulaski.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Education.

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In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 35° 11.471′ N, 87° 1.651′ W. Marker is in Pulaski, Tennessee, in Giles County. Marker is on South Sam Davis Avenue north of Magazine Road, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located in Maplewood Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pulaski TN 38478, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr. William Albert Lewis (here, next to this marker); United States Colored Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Pulaski Cornerstone — Southeast (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel “Sam” Davis (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); James M. McCallum (about 500 feet away); John Goff Ballentine (about 500 feet away); Maplewood Cemetery (about 800 feet away); Thomas McKissack Jones (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pulaski.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 6, 2020

2. Professor John Thomas Bridgeforth Marker

Tennessee State Library and Archives, 1950

3. Professor John Thomas Bridgeforth Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 215 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 9, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.