South Pittsburg in Marion County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

McReynolds High School

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 16, 2021

1. McReynolds High School Marker (Side A)

Inscription. In 1917 no high school for African Americans existed in Marion County. That year Brown McReynolds led a committee to establish an African American high school. The following year a school for African American students opened in a rented space. In 1919 a fire destroyed the school. Soon after the school's destruction by fire, County Superintendent D. A. Tate made plans for a South Pittsburg school.

Using county funds, Rosenwald funds, and money raised by citizens, a twenty-two-room school was constructed. Built by S. W. Hogan in 1921, the school was named in honor of Brown McReynolds, where M. M. Burnett served as principal for 25 years. McReynolds High School educated students in Marion County and north Jackson County, Alabama. On the morning of July 28, 1965, a fire of unknown origin destroyed McReynolds High School.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2B 33.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Rosenwald Schools series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 35° 1.032′ N, 85° 42.099′ W. Marker is in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, in Marion County. Marker is on North Cedar Avenue

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(Tennessee Route 27) south of Old Jasper Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 309 N Cedar Ave, South Pittsburg TN 37380, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fort McCook (approx. 0.4 miles away); Christmas Night Shootout (approx. 0.4 miles away); James Thomas Fitz-Gerald, Jr. (approx. 0.4 miles away); Christ Church Episcopal (approx. 0.4 miles away); Marion Post No. 62 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Birthplace of Jobyna Lancaster Ralston-Arlen (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bean-Roulston Graveyard (approx. 1.4 miles away); Chiaha (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Pittsburg.

Regarding McReynolds High School. Fire continued to plaque the school even after it closed. A 2017 fire at the site was ruled arson. It was among three at the vacant building in a one-year span. In 2018, another fire destroyed what was left of the school.

Also see . . . McReynolds High School South Pittsburg, Tennessee 1921-1966. Retrospective by Merzeller Moore Burnett that originally appeared in The Story of Marion County; Its People and Places (1990) and republished here by the South Pittsburg Historic Preservation Society. (Submitted on October 17, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

McReynolds High School Marker (Side B) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 16, 2021

2. McReynolds High School Marker (Side B)

McReynolds High School Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 16, 2021

3. McReynolds High School Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 271 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 17, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.