Lansing in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Jonas Salk
1914-1995
— Medicine, Science, and Technology —
Jonas Salk developed the first successful polio vaccine. Poliomyelitis, also known as infantile paralysis, was a feared disease that could cause paralysis or death.
Salk began his career at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, and his mentor conducted the tests that demonstrated that the vaccine was “safe, effective, and potent.” Salk’s vaccine used a “killed” polio virus that could immunize without risking patient infection. The 1954-55 national testing involved almost two million children in one of the first double-blind placebo-controlled tests. U.S. polio cases dropped 85-90 percent in the first two years of the vaccine’s use.
Erected 2007.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Walk of Fame series list.
Location. 42° 44.172′ N, 84° 33.134′ W. Marker is in Lansing, Michigan, in Ingham County. Marker can be reached from North Washington Square, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 320 North Washington Square, Lansing MI 48933, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William Crapo “Billy” Durant 1861-1947 (within shouting distance of this marker); Muzyad Yahkoob “Danny Thomas” (within shouting distance of this marker); Elijah McCoy 1843-1929 (within shouting distance of this marker); Drs. Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering (within shouting distance of this marker); Walter Reuther 1907-1970 (within shouting distance of this marker); Mack-e-te-be-nessy “Andrew J. Blackbird” c. 1815-1908 (within shouting distance of this marker); Gordie Howe (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Eero Saarinen (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lansing.
Also see . . . Jonas Salk. (Submitted on May 28, 2017, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. This page has been viewed 238 times since then and 7 times this year. Last updated on January 23, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1. submitted on May 26, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. 2, 3. submitted on January 23, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.