Montgomery in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Alabama State University / Tatum Street
Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 9, 2016
1. Alabama State University Marker
Side 1
The Early Years
Founded in 1867, the Lincoln School in Marion, Alabama became the first state-assisted normal school for African Americans in 1874. The school prospered in that location for 13 years, training teachers, preachers, and scholars. Following a racial incident in Marion in 1887 the main building was burned down and the school was moved to Montgomery where it would become the State Normal School for Colored Students. The state reneged on its promise to support the school after the move to Montgomery and suspended its funding for three years, during which period the college held classes in churches and survived largely because of contributions from the black community and northern philanthropies.
Side 2
For three years, the American Missionary Association (AMA) teachers, President William Burns Paterson (1849-1915), his wife, Margaret (1853-1904), and his deputy, John Beverly (1858-1924), kept the school going. After state funding was restored in 1890, Tatum St. and nearby Hall St. became “faculty row.” There, Paterson built a house, a greenhouse, and Rosemont Gardens, which would contribute to the support of the school and his family. Beverly, who would be the school’s
this page online
Erected 2009 by the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Historical Preservation and Promotion Foundation & the Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 32° 22.062′ N, 86° 17.493′ W. Marker is in Montgomery, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Marker is at the intersection of Hall Street and Tatum Street, on the right when traveling south on Hall Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1079 Hall Street, Montgomery AL 36104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Home of Ralph David Abernathy (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Johnnie R. and Arlam Carr, Sr. Home (about 700 feet away); Birthplace of Nat "King" Cole (about 700 feet away); Hall Street Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hale Infirmary / The Lynching of Willie Temple (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alabama State University / Tullibody
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 19, 2014
2. Tatum Street Marker
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 19, 2014
3. Alabama State University Entrance
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 19, 2014
4. ASU Hornets Stadium and Entrance
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 19, 2014
5. Tatum Street
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 865 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 9, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 19, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
