Upper Canal in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

James Overall

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 31, 2024

1. James Overall Marker

front side

Inscription. Overall, a free African American, sold his properties in Corydon, moved with his family to Indianapolis by 1830, and bought land near here 1832. He became a leader in small black community and played active role in growth of AME Church. Overall’s aid to enslaved persons in 1835 is documented in the escape narrative of black New York abolitionist Jermain Wesley Loguen.

In March 1836, Overall shot a white gang member while defending his home and family from attack; white allies came to his aid. Despite an 1831 Indiana law that barred black testimony against whites in court, he sought legal protection from further attack. Though blacks had few legal rights, a judge affirmed Overall’s “natural” right to defend his family and property.

Erected 2016 by Indiana Historical Bureau and the Society of Indiana Pioneers. (Marker Number 49-2016-1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers

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series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1836.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. 39° 46.519′ N, 86° 10.017′ W. Marker has been damaged. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Upper Canal. It is on North West Street just south of Indiana Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Indianapolis IN 46202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana.

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 territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Indiana Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library (within shouting distance of this marker); Madame C.J. Walker Timeline (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Madam C.J. Walker Building (about 400

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 31, 2024

2. James Overall Marker

reverse side

feet away); Sigma Theta Tau International (about 400 feet away); Madam C.J. Walker (about 400 feet away); Black Lives Matter Mural (about 400 feet away); Talking Wall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.

Also see . . . Indiana Historical Bureau entry for this marker. This page contains annotations for the text used on the marker snd a drawing of his home on West Washington Street. Excerpt:

Calvin Fletcher corroborated Overall’s testimony. In his diary on March 18, 1836, Fletcher wrote “Mr. Blake in great trouble with Burkhart. Negro Overhall [sic] called on me for aid to prevent the lawless aggressions of Burkhart and party.” On the next day, Fletcher wrote “About light in the morning 1 of Overhauls’ sons (a colored man) came and informed me that his father had shot a man who with Burkhart was trying to break into his house.” James Overall asked Fletcher to come out to his home.

Violence was not unusual in the new state capital. Early Indianapolis historian Ignatius Brown described the growing town and David Burkhart and friends in Indianapolis

Damaged James Overall Marker, side one image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 20, 2018

3. Damaged James Overall Marker, side one

in the 1830s: “The work on the National Road . . . had attracted many men of bad character and habits to this point. These, banded together under a leader of great size and strength, were long known as ‘the chain gang,’ and kept the town in a half subjugated state. Assaults were often committed, citizens threatened and insulted, and petty outrages perpetrated. . . . ”

Fletcher retrieved his rifle and got Andrew Smith, the constable, to go with him to Washington St. “He took one side & I the other & every man we met was ready on relation of the acts of the outrageous mob headed by Burkhart to turn out & see that the law should be executed.” (Submitted on December 30, 2018.)

Additional keywords. African Methodist Episcopal church Black Methodism

Damaged James Overall Marker, side two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 20, 2018

4. Damaged James Overall Marker, side two

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 31, 2024

5. James Overall Marker

looking south on West Street

Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 551 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 8, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3, 4. submitted on December 30, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on November 8, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.