As spring approaches, it’s time to begin thinking about adventures that do not require climbing gear, stopwatches or strength conditioning. Instead, residents can follow the Tennessee Historical Commission marker trail and combine an outdoor trek with history education.
The markers are easily recognized by their distinctive three-star logo with black text lettering on a silver background. Since 1948, individuals, churches, civic groups, and city or county governments have submitted requests for markers, providing the funding for the markers upon approval. The commission staff and board adhere to a sound methodological approach grounded in the study of history and supported by documents proving the information on each marker application. During the last 25 years, the marker program has grown to include more narrative histories of AfricanAmericans, native peoples and women.
So, consider planning a historical outing for the next weekend when the sun is shining and you’re feeling adventurous.
In Hamilton County, one might choose to visit the marker on Wilcox Boulevard commemorating the life of Mary Walker, a former slave, who lived from 1848 to 1969. Yes, those dates are correct. Mary Walker was declared the oldest student in the nation by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare after having learned to read at age 116. Next, the Walden Hospital marker on East 8th Street recognizes the groundbreaking work of Dr. Emma Rochelle Wheeler, a graduate of Meharry Medical College, who established and operated a 30-bed hospital and a school of nursing for the African American community for 37 years.
Intrigued by the entrepreneurial spirit? Visit the Randolph M. Miller marker on Martin Luther King Boulevard and be inspired by a former slave who came to Chattanooga with Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman’s Union troops. After working for Adolph Ochs and the Daily Times, Miller opened his own weekly newspaper, the Blade, targeting Black readers. The marker provides interesting information about this community leader.