Murfreesboro in Rutherford County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Mary Ellen Vaughn

1893-1953

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 21, 2020

1. Mary Ellen Vaughn Marker

Inscription. Born in Alabama, in 1893 Mary Ellen Vaughn, a graduate of Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), Chicago Business College, and Tennessee A & I College (now Tennessee State University), lived in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the last thirty years of her life. In 1920 she founded the Murfreesboro Union, the city's first African-American newspaper.

Thirteen years later, in 1933 she founded and operated the Vaughn Training School for African American adults. A nurse, Vaughn worked for the Commonwealth Fund to improve rural health in Rutherford County. A major civil rights advocate, she worked diligently to improve political opportunities for African Americans in Rutherford County. Murfreesboro's Vaughn Street is named in her honor.

Erected 2020 by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 248.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Communications • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.

Location. 35° 50.387′ N, 86° 23.073′ W. Marker is in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in Rutherford County. Marker is at the intersection of South Highland Avenue and Vaughn Street, on the right when traveling north on South Highland Avenue. Touch for map

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. Marker is in this post office area: Murfreesboro TN 37130, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Holloway High School (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bradley Academy (about 700 feet away); Dr. James Robert Patterson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ancient Trails (approx. 0.2 miles away); Oaklands (approx. 0.2 miles away); Those Who Used the Spring First (approx. 0.2 miles away); Settlers Discover the Spring (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Town Emerges on the Water's Edge (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Murfreesboro.

Also see . . . Mary Ellen Vaughn Honored With TN Historical Marker (Newsbreak) (YouTube, 2.5 min.). "Mary Ellen Vaughn's legacy is honored with the unveiling of a Tennessee Historical Marker at the site where her home once stood. Vaughn was a journalist, nurse, teacher, and advocate for women and African Americans." (Submitted on June 6, 2021.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 21, 2020

2. Mary Ellen Vaughn Marker

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 21, 2020

3. Mary Ellen Vaughn Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 290 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 21, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.