City Center in Chattanooga in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

G. W. Franklin

1865-1928

Photographed by R. E. Smith, January 3, 2008

1. G. W. Franklin Marker - Front

Inscription. G. W. Franklin was born in Quitman, Georgia. He operated four businesses: blacksmithing, a hack line, a wood and coal yard, and an undertaking establishment. In 1894 Franklin moved his undertaking business to Chattanooga. He was a member of the National Negro Business League and president of the National Negro Funeral Directors Association. In 1915 Franklin served as an honorary pallbearer for his friend, Dr. Booker T. Washington. Thirteen years later, Franklin conducted the funeral services of Margaret Murray Washington, the wife of his esteemed friend.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2A 96.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.

Location. 35° 2.955′ N, 85° 18.701′ W. Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is in City Center. It is on Chestnut Street near W. 6th St., on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 633 Chestnut St, Chattanooga TN 37402, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is 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,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Saint Paul's Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away); Second Presbyterian Church

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(about 600 feet away); Miller Brothers Department Store c. 1898 (about 600 feet away); Chattanooga Daily Rebel (about 700 feet away); William "Uncle Bill" Lewis (about 700 feet away); William (Uncle Bill) Lewis (about 700 feet away); Central Block Building / Site of First Presbyterian Church (about 700 feet away); Site of Crutchfield House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chattanooga.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Site of Headquarters (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).

G. W. Franklin Marker - Back image. Click for full size.

Photographed by R. E. Smith, January 3, 2008

2. G. W. Franklin Marker - Back

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 3,641 times since then and 351 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 3, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.