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Auburn in Lee County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
 

Sigma Alpha Epsilon

 
 
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Kevin Vincent, July 12, 2013
1. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Marker
Inscription. The Alpha Mu chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was founded on June 15, 1878 at the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Alabama (now Auburn University). John E.D. Shipp came to Auburn as a student determined to organize a chapter at a time when fraternities were forbidden on campus. Working in secrecy with SAE brothers in Georgia, Shipp had two members of Mercer University's chapter, William H. Felton and Frank H. Greaves, travel to Auburn to install the chapter behind Old Main in a cornfield where Samford Hall now stands. The first fraternity on Auburn's campus, Sigma Alpha Epsilon remains a place for "The True Gentleman."
 
Erected 2003 by Alabama Historical Association.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: EducationFraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 15, 1878.
 
Location. 32° 36.39′ N, 85° 29.57′ W. Marker is in Auburn, Alabama, in Lee County. It is on W. Magnolia Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 550 W Magnolia Street, Auburn AL 36832, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Alabama and in Greater Columbus. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. 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 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: Max Adams Morris / Max Adams Morris Drill Field (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cary Hall
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(approx. Ό mile away); The USDA Regional Laboratory for Animal Disease Research (approx. 0.4 miles away); East Alabama Male College (approx. half a mile away); Auburn University (approx. half a mile away); Auburn WWI Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Lathe (approx. 0.6 miles away); The East Alabama Methodist College (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Auburn.
 
Greek letters "SAE" on grounds image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Kevin Vincent, July 12, 2013
2. Greek letters "SAE" on grounds
SAE Fraternity House image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Kevin Vincent, July 12, 2013
3. SAE Fraternity House
Entrance to Sigma Alpha Epsilon grounds image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Kevin Vincent, July 12, 2013
4. Entrance to Sigma Alpha Epsilon grounds
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,306 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 14, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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Jun. 9, 2026