Schools For Freedmen

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.