Pulaski in Giles County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Bridgeforth High School

Photographed by Giles County Tourism Foundation

1. Bridgeforth High School

Inscription. Though black public education existed in Giles County by 1869, Bridgeforth was the first black high school. Designed by America's first black architectural firm, McKissack and McKissack, which had local roots, and named for black educator J. T. Bridgeforth, the school operated from 1937 until 1958, when a larger facility was built nearby. In 1965, Giles County became the first county in Tennessee to voluntarily integrate its schools.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3F 41.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 35° 12.584′ N, 87° 1.599′ W. Marker is in Pulaski, Tennessee, in Giles County. It is at the intersection of North 1st Street (Tennessee Route 7) and Mitchell Street, on the right when traveling north on North 1st Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 910 N 1st St, Pulaski TN 38478, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this

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marker is in Middle Tennessee

and in the Highland Rim.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

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: Pulaski Cornerstone — Northeast (approx. ¼ mile away); Gabriel McKissack (approx. ¼ mile away); Building Up (approx. 0.3 miles away); USCT The United States Colored Troops (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort Lilly (approx. 0.4 miles away); Pulaski Courthouse Square Historic District (approx. 0.7 miles away); This Well (approx. ¾ mile away); Donald Grady Davidson (1893~1966) John Crowe Ransom (1888~1974) (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pulaski.

Regarding Bridgeforth High School. The original school is being used today as Greater Richland Creek Association Building. The Afican American Community uses this facility for meetings,

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weddings, and funerals.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2012, by Giles County Tourism Foundation of Pulaski, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,412 times since then and 44 times this year. Last updated on March 15, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. Photo 1. submitted on July 19, 2012, by Giles County Tourism Foundation of Pulaski, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • A photo of the school building. • Can you help?