Meigs Middle School

So here’s an unusual name for you—Return Jonathan Meigs. While it might sound more like an instruction than a name, Return Meigs is the namesake for Meigs Middle Magnet School. R.J. Meigs Esq., as he was called, was a descendant of a Revolutionary War colonel and member of the first school board in Nashville. He was also the first Tennessee State Librarian and helped to open the Tennessee School for the Blind. In the era of Jim Crow racial segregation, there was also only one school for African-American children to attend in East Nashville, the Vandavill School. In 1881, a report from the Superintendent showed that Vandavill was severely overcrowded. So, the school board purchased the land on Ramsey Avenue that ran the entire block between 7th and 8th Streets. The new school opened to 400 African American elementary students and, in 1886, Meigs expanded to become the first high school for African Americans.

In 1896, the high school department transferred to Pearl School, located downtown at the time, and Meigs became an elementary school again. Over the next 100 years, Meigs School endured many challenges—from a devastating tornado in 1933 to school desegregation in the 1960s. It has also undergone a number of renovations and additions—expanding to fill the entire block. In 1985, Meigs became a magnet middle school for Metro Nashville Public Schools with students coming from across the city. It remains one of the best middle schools in the state—consistently ranking in the top 5 percent. The building you see here today was completed in 2004, which replaced the 1934 structure. 

Now look down 7th Street to learn about the second part of this stop, Frederick Douglass Park, which opened in 1936. The park was originally located near Mansfield Street and North 9th Street but was moved here in 1963 after the construction of Ellington Parkway. Named for the famed 19th century abolitionist, journalist, and statesman, the park endured an identity crisis for decades. At a 2017 ceremony, then Mayor Megan Barry said, “Frederick somehow became Fred. And Douglass lost an S. And just like that, the lesson of history was sent off to the shadows. . . . But now that opportunity has returned and this piece of history has moved right back where it belongs, in the sunlight.” Now, visitors can play in the sun on the soccer and baseball fields, romp on the playground, or relax for a picnic in the shade of its several groves of trees. The Frederick Douglass Head Start Center is also located here.

Turn around and walk back up South 7th Street. Cross Main St. and continue until you reach Woodland St. Your next stop, the Judge Roy A. Miles house, is on your right.