The Salt Wagon Story

The Meharry story began when a family of freed slaves had the courage to answer a white man’s knock on their door. In the early 1800s, the knock may have been cause for fear: the family risked possible capture and return to slavery. However, the ex-slaves recognized their responsibility to serve others. The family’s name is unknown.

Upon opening the door, the family found a young, white man needing help. Despite the risk involved, the family helped Samuel Meharry, whose salt wagon had fallen into a ditch. Afterward, he promised to reward their service by doing “something for your race”.

Fifty years later, a financial contribution from Meharry and his brothers, in additions to contributions from the Methodist Episcopal Church and others, led to the 1876 founding of the Medical Department of Central Tennessee College. In 1900, the name was changed to Meharry Medical College.

Today, Meharry Medical College exists to improve the health and health care of minority and underserved communities by offering excellent education and training programs in the health sciences; placing special emphasis on providing opportunities to people of color and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, regardless of race or ethnicity; delivering high quality health services; and conducting research that foster the elimination of health disparities.