Johnson City in Washington County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Memorial Fountain

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2021

1. Memorial Fountain Marker

Inscription. Dedicated in 2013, this fountain tells a story of hope, inspiration, and courage. It pays tribute to the first African American students to enroll at what was then East Tennessee State College. These pioneering students integrated the campus in an era when many campuses across the country remained segregated. The integration of ETSC in the 1950s occurred peacefully and without incident. The students who are honored and memorialized through this fountain went forth from the campus to succeed in education, civil rights, military service, and private business. The constantly flowing water in this fountain is a reminder of their enduring place in our university's history.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 2013.

Location. 36° 18.157′ N, 82° 21.977′ W. Marker is in Johnson City, Tennessee, in Washington County. It can be reached from J L Seehorn Junior Road west of Gilbreath Drive, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located on the East Tennessee State University campus, in the Memorial Plaza

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at the northwest corner of the Charles C. Sherrod Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 344 J L Seehorn Junior Road, Johnson City TN 37604, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee

and in the Tri-Cities Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

the State of Franklin,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Desegregation of East Tennessee State College (University) (a few steps from this marker); Borchuck Plaza (a few steps from this marker); Elbert Columbus "E.C." Miller (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza (about 500 feet away); East Tennessee State University (about 700

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2021

2. Memorial Fountain Marker

feet away); Johnson City (approx. half a mile away); National Soldiers’ Home (approx. 0.6 miles away); Tree Streets Historic District (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Johnson City.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Eugene Caruthers, Class of 1952 image. Click for full size.

3. Eugene Caruthers, Class of 1952

Elizabeth Watkins Crawford, Attended 1958-59 image. Click for full size.

4. Elizabeth Watkins Crawford, Attended 1958-59

Clarence McKinney, Attended 1958-61 image. Click for full size.

5. Clarence McKinney, Attended 1958-61

George L. Nichols, Class of 1962 image. Click for full size.

6. George L. Nichols, Class of 1962

Mary Luellen Owens Wagner, Class of 1962 image. Click for full size.

7. Mary Luellen Owens Wagner, Class of 1962

Charles C. Sherrod Library (<i>northwest entrance</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2021

8. Charles C. Sherrod Library (northwest entrance)

(Memorial Fountain in foreground • marker on wall at right)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 629 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on May 17, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.