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.

Location. 36° 18.157′ N, 82° 21.977′ W. Marker is in Johnson City, Tennessee, in Washington County. Marker 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 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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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); Johnson City (approx. half a mile away); National Soldiers’ Home (approx. 0.6 miles away); Tree Streets Historic District (approx. 0.7 miles away); A National Cemetery System (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.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2021

2. Memorial Fountain 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 May 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 382 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on May 17, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.