Downtown Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Schools For Freedmen

Photographed By R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008

1. Schools For Freedmen Marker

Inscription. The first free "colored" school in the city was opened in early 1863 in a barrack building in South Memphis. In 1864 the U.S. Army issued a general order authorizing its officers to help with these schools for the education of freedmen. In 1865 there were 9 schools here. All were burned during the May 1866 race riot. In 1868-69 there were again 9 schools in operation in various locations in the city. One of these schools was located in this area.

Erected 1980 by Shelby County Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1866.

Location. 35° 8.421′ N, 90° 3.278′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Downtown Memphis. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street and Beale Street, on the right when traveling north on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Memphis TN 38103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Grand Opera House / The New Orpheum Theatre (a few steps from this marker); Danny Thomas (within shouting distance of this marker); Beale Street #2 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Beale Street #1

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(about 300 feet away); Lansky Brothers (about 300 feet away); Benjamin Franklin Booth (about 500 feet away); Gayoso Hotel (about 500 feet away); The Lee Sisters (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Photographed By R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008

2. Schools For Freedmen Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,571 times since then and 57 times this year. Last updated on May 3, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.