Athens in Limestone County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Mary Fletcher Wells

Match 5, 1825-September 14, 1893

Photographed by Billy Clemmons

1. Mary Fletcher Wells Marker

Inscription. Mary Fletcher Wells, A Philanthropist and educator born in Villenova, New York Came to Athens , Alabama , at the end of the Civil War. Declaring she came "With a Bible in one hand and a speller in the other” After serving as a nurse for the Union Army , divine inspiration led her to provide spiritual and intellectual nurturing for formerly enslaved people and their children in Limestone County. She established Trinity School in 1865 and Trinity Congregational Church in 1871. Co-Sponsored by the American Missionary Association she also served as a tour matron for the Famed Fisk Jubilee Singers. Her bravery blazed a pathway for generations of civic and spiritual leaders, craftsmen entrepreneurs, lawyers, poets, scholars teachers and other professionals with roots in these institutions. She was one of the most courageous human beings ever to inhabit the Earth.

Reverse Side
“Open your mouth for the speechless. In the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans

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• Education • Religion & Religious Structures • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.

Location. 34° 47.844′ N, 86° 58.777′ W. Marker is in Athens, Alabama, in Limestone County. It is at the intersection of Browns Ferry Street and Allyn Street, on the left when traveling east on Browns Ferry Street. Located very close to the Fort Henderson/ Trinity School historical markers. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 722 Browns Ferry St, Athens AL 35611, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama

and in the Huntsville Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

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,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fort Henderson / Trinity School - 1865-1970 (within shouting distance of this marker); The United State Colored Troops (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity School (within shouting distance of this marker); Coleman Hill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Reconstruction (about 300 feet away); The Battles of Fort Henderson and Sulphur Creek Trestle (about 300 feet away); Prisoners of War (about 300 feet away); Coleman Family (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

Photographed by Billy Clemmons, February 17, 2025

2. Mary Fletcher Wells Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2025, by Billy Clemmons of Florence, Alabama. This page has been viewed 186 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 17, 2025, by Billy Clemmons of Florence, Alabama. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.