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

Desegregation at Auburn

Photographed by Mark Hilton, November 22, 2015

1. Desegregation at Auburn Marker

Inscription. The first African American student entered the library to register at Auburn University at this site. Acting on a court order, Auburn president Ralph Brown Draughon accepted the application of Harold Franklin as the first African American student in 1963. Hoping to avoid conflicts as had occurred during the desegregation of other universities across the South. Draughon scheduled the registration for Saturday, Jan. 4, 1964, and closed the campus to the public. University officials and FBI agents met Franklin at the nearby Auburn Methodist Church to escort him to campus. State troopers sent by Governor George Wallace blocked their access, forcing Franklin to proceed alone and unprotected. Some protesters assembled nearby, but no violence occurred and registration was concluded peacefully. A century of institutional segregation effectively ended that day, clearing the path for other African American students to enroll and attend Auburn University.

Erected to commemorate 50 years of desegregation at Auburn University

Erected 2015 by the Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights •

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Education. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 4, 1964.

Location. 32° 36.213′ N, 85° 28.967′ W. Marker is in Auburn, Alabama, in Lee County. It can be reached from the intersection of West Thach Road and South College Street. Located between Mary Martin Hall and the north side of Ralph Brown Draughon Library on the University of Auburn Campus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 231 Mell Street, Auburn University AL 36849, 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: Auburn WWI Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Auburn University (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); East Alabama Male College (about 500 feet away); Auburn University Chapel (about 500 feet away); The East Alabama Methodist College (about 500 feet away); The Lathe (about 500 feet away); Auburn - Alabama (approx. 0.2 miles away); Auburn 1865~Present / The "Loveliest Village" (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Auburn.

Other markers no longer nearby. Wittel Dormitory (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Toomers Corner And The Bank Of Auburn

Photographed by Mark Hilton, November 22, 2015

2. Desegregation at Auburn Marker

(was approx. ¼ mile away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . .
1. Opelika - Auburn News article on dedication of marker. (Submitted on November 22, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
2. Wikipedia article on the Desegregation of Auburn University. (Submitted on November 22, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

View of marker on north side of the Ralph Brown Draughon Library. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, November 22, 2015

3. View of marker on north side of the Ralph Brown Draughon Library.

View towards intersection of Thach Avenue and College Street. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, November 22, 2015

4. View towards intersection of Thach Avenue and College Street.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,159 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 10, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3, 4. submitted on November 22, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.