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
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. This historical marker
this page online
Location. 32° 36.213′ N, 85° 28.967′ W. Marker is in Auburn, Alabama, in Lee County. Marker 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.
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.
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.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 22, 2015
2. View of marker towards Mary Martin Hall.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 22, 2015
3. View of marker on north side of the Ralph Brown Draughon Library.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 22, 2015
4. View towards intersection of Thach Avenue and College Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 642 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 22, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
