Lansing in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Mack-e-te-be-nessy “Andrew J. Blackbird” c. 1815-1908

Mack-e-te-be-nessy “Andrew J. Blackbird” Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Rieske, May 26, 2017

1. Mack-e-te-be-nessy “Andrew J. Blackbird” Marker

Inscription.
Educated first in Odawa (Ottawa) skills and traditions, Andrew J. Blackbird struggled to find the resources to Euro-American schools. He eventually studied at Ypsilanti State Normal School. His command of English enabled him to work as an interpreter for the Mackinac Indian agency. He helped gain Michigan citizenship for Native Americans under the 1850 Constitution and became the first postmaster of Harbor Springs in the 1860s. Blackbird also helped widows and children of Civil War soldiers obtain benefits. His history of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan, published in 1887 includes a grammar of the Odawa language and his autobiography, one of the first written by a Native American.

Erected 2007.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 42° 44.204′ N, 84° 33.149′ 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: 333 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. Drs. Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Jonas Salk (within shouting distance of this marker); William Crapo “Billy” Durant 1861-1947 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lansing 9/11 Memorial (about 300 feet away); Muzyad Yahkoob “Danny Thomas” (about 300 feet away); Elijah McCoy 1843-1929 (about 400 feet away); Walter Reuther 1907-1970 (about 400 feet away); Lansing Community College (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lansing.

Also see . . . Andrew Blackbird, from Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 16, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2017. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. This page has been viewed 299 times since then and 11 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on May 26, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?