FANG in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Samuel Allen McElwee

1858 - 1914

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 12, 2022

1. Samuel Allen McElwee Marker

Inscription. Born a slave in Madison County, Samuel McElwee began teaching school in Haywood County at the age of 16. In 1882, he was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives and one year later was graduated from Fisk University. The only African American elected from Haywood County, Samuel McElwee served three successive terms in the legislature, promoting uniform education and justice. In 1884 and 1888, he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention. After he was defeated for reelection by force of arms in 1888, Samuel McElwee moved to Nashville.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 163.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Tennessee Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.

Location. 36° 9.979′ N, 86° 48.208′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in FANG. Marker is on Jackson Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nashville TN 37208, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ella Sheppard (Moore) (within shouting distance of

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this marker); William Edward Burghardt DuBois (within shouting distance of this marker); Carl Van Vechten Art Gallery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Harris Music Building (about 400 feet away); Cravath Hall (about 400 feet away); Fisk Memorial Chapel (about 400 feet away); The Little Theatre (about 400 feet away); Fisk University (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

Also see . . . McElwee, Samuel Allen (1857– 1914). (Submitted on January 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed By R. E. Smith, September 2, 2007

2. Samuel Allen McElwee Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 2,158 times since then and 24 times this year. Last updated on March 14, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1. submitted on March 12, 2022, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 2. submitted on January 26, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.