Urbancrest in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ellen Walker Craig-Jones
Photographed by Alex Krempasky, April 2, 2023
1. Ellen Walker Craig-Jones Marker
In 1972, Urbancrest's Ellen Walker Craig-Jones became the first African-American woman to be elected mayor, by popular vote, of a United States municipality. During her term as mayor (1972-1975), Craig-Jones oversaw the modernization of Urbancrest's various programs and the village rebuilt three main streets, installed streetlights and street signs, and received approval to start a $3 million housing project. Craig-Jones had many years of experience in service to her community, serving twelve years on the Urbancrest Village Council. She was the recipient of dozens of awards and honors, including Who's Who Among Black Americans.
Erected 2003 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The International Paper Company Foundation, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 53-25.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Government & Politics • Railroads & Streetcars • Women. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1972.
Location. 39° 53.954′ N, 83° 4.787′ W. Marker is in Urbancrest, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is at the intersection of Broadway (U.S. 62) and
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Scioto Valley and in the Columbus Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Gantz Homestead (approx. 0.9 miles away); Gantz Park Labyrinth (approx. 0.9 miles away); Dedicated to Maria C. Klemack-McGraw (approx. 0.9 miles away); Beulah Park (approx. 1.2 miles away); Mill Street (approx. 1.3 miles away); Leithart House (approx. 1.3 miles away); 3306 Columbus Street (approx. 1.3 miles away); Gold Star Families Memorial (approx. 1.3 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Ellen Walker Craig-Jones. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on November 16, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Find A Grave website entry. (Submitted on November 16, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
2. Ellen Walker Craig-Jones Marker
From 1st Avenue, looking east across Broadway.
Photographed by Craig Doda, April 11, 2026
3. Ellen Walker Craig-Jones Marker
Marker has been moved a few feet back from the corner.
via Find A Grave, unknown
4. Ellen Walker Craig-Jones
Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,807 times since then and 97 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 14, 2023, by Alex Krempasky of Obetz, Ohio. 2. submitted on October 18, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 3. submitted on April 16, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4. submitted on November 16, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
