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

First Abolition Publications

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 11, 2020

1. First Abolition Publications Marker

Inscription. On this site, in 1819-1820, were published The Manumission Intelligencer and The Emancipator. Edited and published by Elihu Embree and printed by Jacob Howard, these were the first periodicals in the United States devoted exclusively to abolition of human slavery.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1A 82.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list.

Location. 36° 17.626′ N, 82° 28.484′ W. Marker is in Jonesborough, Tennessee, in Washington County. It is on West Main Street (Old Tennessee Route 34). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 128 W Main St, Jonesborough TN 37659, 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: May-Dishner House (a few steps from this marker); The Eureka Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Christopher Taylor House (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain Christopher Taylor Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Chester Inn (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Major Jesse Walton (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); State of Franklin (about 500 feet away); Jonesborough (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jonesborough.

Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, September 26, 2009

2. First Abolition Publications Marker

First Abolition Publications Marker (Refurbished) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 11, 2020

3. First Abolition Publications Marker (Refurbished)

Jonesboro Presbyterian Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, September 26, 2009

4. Jonesboro Presbyterian Church

Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, September 26, 2009

5. Jonesboro Presbyterian Church

Photographed by Tom Bosse, August 2, 2025

6. First Abolition Publications Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,433 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 19, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on September 29, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. 3. submitted on October 19, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4, 5. submitted on September 29, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. 6. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.