Delmar Loop in University City in St. Louis County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
William "Bill" Clay
Born April 30, 1931
A native St. Louisan, William L. Clay graduated from St. Louis University in 1953 before serving in the Army. After his election in 1959 as a St. Louis alderman, Clay became Missouri's first African-American Congressman in 1968. During his 32 years in the House, Representative Clay passed 295 bills and tirelessly promoted civil rights, labor reform and education. Clay played an integral role in the 1970 founding of the Congressional Black Caucus, and authored several books about Congress, civil rights and his own life. A tough, savvy politician who never lost an election, William L Clay was a steadfast champion for human rights.
Erected 2006 by St. Louis Walk of Fame.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Missouri, St. Louis Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1953.
Location. 38° 39.348′ N, 90° 18.138′ W. Marker is in University City, Missouri, in St. Louis County. It is in Delmar Loop. It is on Delmar Boulevard west of Limit Avenue, on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bill Mauldin (here, next to this marker); Cool Papa Bell (a few steps from this marker); From Humble Beginnings, a World Class Street Is Born! (a few steps from this marker); Mona Van Duyn (a few steps from this marker); Gerald Early (a few steps from this marker); John Danforth (a few steps from this marker); Visit The Loop! (a few steps from this marker); David Sanborn (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Unknown
2. William "Bill" Clay
Photo was possibly taken by a U.S. Congress photographer
Also see . . . Bill Clay on Wikipedia. Clay (1931-2025) would serve in Missouri's Congressional District 1 from 1969 to 2001. Since 1969, an African American has been elected to represent that district, including Clay's son, Lacy Clay (2001-2021), Cori Bush (2021-25) and as of 2025, Wesley Bell. (Submitted on July 17, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 272 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 12, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on July 17, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
