Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Memphis Martyrs

Photographed by Thomas S Parker, April 29, 2008

1. Memphis Martyrs Marker

Inscription. In August, 1878, fear of death caused a panic during which 30,000 of 50,000 Memphians fled this bluff city. By October, the epidemic of yellow fever killed 4,204 of 6,000 Caucasians and 946 of 14,000 Negros who stayed. With some outside help, citizens of all races and walks of life, recognizing their common plight in this devastated, bankrupt community, tended 17,600 sick and buried the dead. As a result many of them lost their lives, becoming martyrs in their service to mankind.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 63.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 35° 7.71′ N, 90° 4.224′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It can be reached from Channel 3 Drive. Located in Martyrs Park off Channel 3 Drive. Channel 3 Drive intersects Riverside Drive just North of the Interstate 55, Riverside Drive Interchange. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Memphis TN 38103, United States of

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America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Tennessee.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in the Upper South,

in the Mississippi Delta,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

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: Fort Pickering (approx. 0.3 miles away); U.S. Marine Hospital (approx. 0.4 miles away); Chisca Mound (approx. half a mile away); De Soto Viewed the Mississippi (approx. half a mile away); Fortress of Chisca (approx. half a mile away); Chickasaw Heritage Park (approx. half a mile away); Tom Lee Monument (approx. 0.6 miles away); Site of First Memphis Telephone (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 23, 2023

2. Memphis Martyrs Marker

Memphis Martyrs Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Thomas S Parker, April 29, 2008

3. Memphis Martyrs Monument

Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2008, by Thomas S Parker of Memphis, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 4,432 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 4, 2008, by Thomas S Parker of Memphis, Tennessee. 2. submitted on April 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on May 4, 2008, by Thomas S Parker of Memphis, Tennessee. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.