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Memphis Area Lynching Locations Special Resource Study
Denver Service Center » Memphis Area Lynching Locations Special Resource Study
The National Park Service (NPS) is conducting a Special Resource Study (SRS) to evaluate lynching sites near Memphis, Tennessee for possible inclusion in the National Park System. This study was directed by Congress under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328).
We invite the public to review materials under the 'Open for Comment' tab and share feedback with the study team.
The legislation specifies the following eight lynching sites in Tennessee:
1. 1868 Christopher Bender and Bud Whitfield (Memphis, Shelby County)
2. 1869 Wash Henley (Memphis, Shelby County)
3. 1892 Thomas Moss, Will Stewart, and Calvin McDowell (Memphis, Shelby County)
4. 1893 Lee Walker (Memphis, Shelby County)
5. 1894 Warner Williams, Daniel Hawkins, Robert Haynes, Edward Hall, John Hayes, and Graham White (Kerrville, Shelby County)
6. 1917 Ell Persons (Memphis, Shelby County)
7. 1939 Jesse Lee Bond (Arlington, Shelby County)
8. 1940 Elbert Williams (Brownsville, Haywood County)
Additional lynching sites within 100 miles of Memphis may be identified through historical research and public input.
The authorizing legislation allows three years to complete the study and submit it to Congress. Once received by Congress, the final study will be made available to the public.
For the purposes of this study, the National Park Service will use the definition of lynching as established by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1940: A lynching is a killing committed outside of the law, by a group, and done under the pretext of service to justice, race, or tradition. While lynching occurred nationwide, this study focuses on Memphis and its surrounding 100-mile radius, as directed by Congress.
Under 54 USC 100507 and NPS Management Policies (2006), a site must meet four criteria to be recommended for inclusion in the National Park System:
1) National Significance
2) Suitability
3) Feasibility
4) Need for Direct NPS Management
The process is sequential—if a site fails one criterion, the study ends for that site.
Regardless of the outcome of the study, new units of the national park system can only be established by an act of Congress or by presidential proclamation. The study itself serves as information for the consideration of Congress, provided to them as requested in law.
The NPS will continue to update this website with public information throughout the study.
We invite the public to review materials under the 'Open for Comment' tab and share feedback with the study team.
The legislation specifies the following eight lynching sites in Tennessee:
1. 1868 Christopher Bender and Bud Whitfield (Memphis, Shelby County)
2. 1869 Wash Henley (Memphis, Shelby County)
3. 1892 Thomas Moss, Will Stewart, and Calvin McDowell (Memphis, Shelby County)
4. 1893 Lee Walker (Memphis, Shelby County)
5. 1894 Warner Williams, Daniel Hawkins, Robert Haynes, Edward Hall, John Hayes, and Graham White (Kerrville, Shelby County)
6. 1917 Ell Persons (Memphis, Shelby County)
7. 1939 Jesse Lee Bond (Arlington, Shelby County)
8. 1940 Elbert Williams (Brownsville, Haywood County)
Additional lynching sites within 100 miles of Memphis may be identified through historical research and public input.
The authorizing legislation allows three years to complete the study and submit it to Congress. Once received by Congress, the final study will be made available to the public.
For the purposes of this study, the National Park Service will use the definition of lynching as established by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1940: A lynching is a killing committed outside of the law, by a group, and done under the pretext of service to justice, race, or tradition. While lynching occurred nationwide, this study focuses on Memphis and its surrounding 100-mile radius, as directed by Congress.
Under 54 USC 100507 and NPS Management Policies (2006), a site must meet four criteria to be recommended for inclusion in the National Park System:
1) National Significance
2) Suitability
3) Feasibility
4) Need for Direct NPS Management
The process is sequential—if a site fails one criterion, the study ends for that site.
Regardless of the outcome of the study, new units of the national park system can only be established by an act of Congress or by presidential proclamation. The study itself serves as information for the consideration of Congress, provided to them as requested in law.
The NPS will continue to update this website with public information throughout the study.