Fisk/Meharry in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The Formation of Fisk University

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 30, 2022

1. The Formation of Fisk University Marker

Inscription. During the Civil War, the hill upon which Fisk University sits today (one of the highest points in Nashville) was a Confederate fort. Upon its capture by Union troops, it was used as an army barracks until after the war had ended, at which point General Clinton B. Fisk, who had been made the head of the Kentucky-Tennessee Freedman's Bureau, donated the land and barracks to create the Fisk Free Colored School for the education of freedman. Within a year of its founding, the school was incorporated as Fisk University, initially emphasizing the training of teachers, and saw its enrollment rise from about 200 to over 600.

Erected by NashVitality.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list.

Location. 36° 10.164′ N, 86° 48.389′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in Fisk/Meharry. It is at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Dr. DB Todd

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Jr. Boulevard, on the left when traveling west on Jefferson Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1732 Jefferson St, Nashville TN 37208, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Fisk Jubilee Singers (here, next to this marker); Desegregating Nashville's Lunch Counters (a few steps from this marker); Jefferson Street Jazz and Blues Festival (within shouting distance of this marker); Donley Harold Turpin, D. D. S. (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jubilee Hall (about 500 feet away); Fisk University (about 500 feet away); Centennial of Pi Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc (about 500 feet away); Meharry Medical College and the United Methodist Church (Worship of God through service to mankind)

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 30, 2022

2. The Formation of Fisk University Marker

(about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 254 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 2, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.