Henning in Lauderdale County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Alex Haley's Boyhood Home

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

1. Alex Haley's Boyhood Home Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Will Palmer, a prominent Henning businessman, built this house in 1918-19, Palmer's grandson Alex Haley lived here from 1921 to 1929 and later spent many summers with his grand-parents. It was on the porch that he heard the stories told by his grandmother and aunts which inspired him to write his 1976 Pulitzer Prize-winning book Roots. Millions of Americans watched an eight-part television adaptation the following year.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 71.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 35° 40.396′ N, 89° 34.569′ W. Marker is in Henning, Tennessee, in Lauderdale County. Marker is at the intersection of South Church Street and Haley Avenue, on the right when traveling south on South Church Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 South Church Street, Henning TN 38041, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured

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as the crow flies. Fort Pillow (approx. 0.6 miles away); Battle of Fort Pillow (approx. 1.8 miles away); Lauderdale County Courthouse (approx. 5.7 miles away); Hands Across America Mid-Point (approx. 6.7 miles away); Canaan Missionary Baptist Church History (approx. 8.4 miles away); Isaac Hayes (approx. 8½ miles away); Hotel Lindo (approx. 8½ miles away); Tipton County in the Civil War (approx. 8½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Henning.

The Palmer House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

2. The Palmer House and Marker

The house is now the Alex Haley House and Museum.

Alex Haley's Grave image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

3. Alex Haley's Grave

Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,166 times since then and 135 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 13, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.