Watkins Park in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

William Edmondson

(c. 1883 - 1951)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 20, 2020

1. William Edmondson Marker

Inscription. William Edmondson, a native Nashvillian and renowned primitive sculptor, worked exclusively in limestone. In 1937, he became the first African-American to be given a one-man show by the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. His visions in stone are now held in major museums throughout America. In June of 1981, for the opening of its new facilities, the Tennessee State Museum honored him with with a 125-piece exhibition.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 125.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 36° 9.547′ N, 86° 47.872′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in Watkins Park. Marker is on Charlotte Avenue (U.S. 70) just east of 17th Avenue North, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in William Edmondson Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1095 Capitol Point, Nashville TN 37203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First State Penitentiary (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blue Triangle YWCA (about 600 feet away); Bethlehem Centers of Nashville

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(about 800 feet away); Capers Memorial CME Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Watkins Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pearl High School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Nashville Porter and Ale Brewery (approx. ¼ mile away); The Fisk Jubliee Singers (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

Also see . . . William Edmondson. Tennessee Encyclopedia entry on the renowned sculptor, by the Tennessee Historical Socity. (Submitted on June 20, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, January 2, 2023

2. William Edmondson Marker

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 20, 2020

3. William Edmondson Marker

William Edmondson image. Click for full size.

Courtesy BlackPast, 1934

4. William Edmondson

<i>Ram</i> by William Edmondson image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

5. Ram by William Edmondson

Among the estimated 300 works he created during his lifetime.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 193 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 20, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on January 22, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 20, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.