City Center in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

John Mitchell, Jr., "Fighting Editor"

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 15, 2012

1. John Mitchell, Jr., "Fighting Editor" Marker

Inscription. Born enslaved near Richmond in 1863, John Mitchell, Jr. came of age in the tumultuous post–Civil War era. In 1883, he launched a daring journalism career, becoming editor and publisher of the black-owned Richmond Planet once located near here. Known as the "Fighting Editor," Mitchell crusaded against lynching, served on the Richmond City Council (1888–1896) and founded the Mechanics Savings Bank in 1902. In 1904, he led a boycott of Richmond’s segregated streetcars. In 1921, he ran for governor to protest black disfranchisement. Mitchell served as Planet editor until his death in 1929. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

Erected 2005 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-73.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 37° 32.702′ N, 77° 26.288′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in City Center. Marker is at the intersection of North 3rd Street and East Marshall Street, on the right when traveling north on North 3rd Street. Touch for map.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 N 3rd St, Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Giles Beecher Jackson (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jackson Ward (about 600 feet away); First Trolley Car System in Richmond (about 700 feet away); Maggie Walker (about 700 feet away); Consolidated Bank & Trust Company (about 700 feet away); Miller’s and Eggleston Hotels (approx. 0.2 miles away); Miller & Rhoads (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alfred D. "A.D." Price (ca. 1860-1921) (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . .
1. John Mitchell, Jr., and the Richmond Planet. Library of Virginia (Submitted on July 15, 2012.)

2. John Mitchell, Jr. Find A Grave (Submitted on July 15, 2012.)

John Mitchell, Jr., "Fighting Editor" Marker (facing north) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 15, 2012

2. John Mitchell, Jr., "Fighting Editor" Marker (facing north)

John Mitchell, Jr., "Fighting Editor" Marker (facing south) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 15, 2012

3. John Mitchell, Jr., "Fighting Editor" Marker (facing south)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 943 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 15, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.