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

Dr. James Robert Patterson

Ca. 1887-1969

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 23, 2023

1. Dr. James Robert Patterson Marker, Side One

Inscription. Born in North Carolina, Dr. Patterson was a World War I veteran who came to Murfreesboro after graduating from Meharry Medical College's School of Dentistry in 1924. Married to Buena V. Eaton (1887-1972) Patterson, a Bradley School teacher, Dr. Patterson practiced dentistry over forty years from his home office on South University Street. Praised for his professional and community leadership, he served as an officer in the National Dental Association.

He also provided philanthropic service to the African American community through his dental practice and his activism to improve race relations. He was an organizer of Rutherford County Voter's Council and an officer of the Murfreesboro Human Relations Commission. An active member of First Baptist Church, the community honored him in 1970 when it named Patterson Park and again in 2003 when it named the Patterson Park Community Center in his honor.

Erected 2023 by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 260.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.

Location. 35° 50.397′ N, 86° 22.902′ W. Marker is in Murfreesboro

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, Tennessee, in Rutherford County. Marker is at the intersection of East Castle Street and South University Street, on the right when traveling east on East Castle Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 612 E Castle St, 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. Mary Ellen Vaughn (approx. 0.2 miles away); Key Memorial United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Holloway High School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bradley Academy (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ancient Trails (approx. 0.3 miles away); Those Who Used the Spring First (approx. 0.3 miles away); Settlers Discover the Spring (approx. 0.3 miles away); A Town Emerges on the Water's Edge (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Murfreesboro.

Dr. James Robert Patterson Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 23, 2023

2. Dr. James Robert Patterson Marker, Side Two

Dr. James Robert Patterson Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 23, 2023

3. Dr. James Robert Patterson Marker

Marker is behind Patterson Community Center (visible on the right).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 91 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 23, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.