Paducah in McCracken County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
The August 8th Emancipation Celebration at Stuart Nelson Park
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 14, 2011
1. The August 8th Emancipation Celebration at Stuart Nelson Park Marker
Burks Chapel AME,7th and Ohio, ran the first school for Negro children funded b black Paducah residents around 1978. Tuition was 25 cents.
Despite opposition, Dr. Dennis H Anderson founded West Kentucky Industrial College, 1909~1911, to train black teachers. By 1938, it was the third largest black junior college in America.
Lincoln Elementary School, built in 1894, later became Lincoln High School, a center for black education and community activity until the 1960s. After integration of Paducah's schools, it became Whiteside Elementary School.
Rowlandtown School is one of several area structures containing 90 pound, 18 inch long solid concrete blocks developed by Charles and Ed Reynolds.
Erected by Citizens of Paducah.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1978.
Location. 37° 5.323′ N, 88° 35.664′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Market" (here, next to this marker); Fire Station #5 at 17th and Broadway (here, next to this marker); Union Gen. U.S. Grant (a few steps from this marker); Barkley/Cobb Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Paducah's River Industry (a few steps from this marker); Paducah's Architecture (within shouting distance of this marker); 1861 Paducah Chain (within shouting distance of this marker); Paducah 1873 "Bird's Eye View" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paducah.
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 14, 2011
2. The August 8th Emancipation Celebration at Stuart Nelson Park Marker
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 14, 2011
3. The August 8th Emancipation Celebration at Stuart Nelson Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 745 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 21, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
