Downtown in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Madame C.J. Walker Timeline
1867
Born Sarah Breedlove on December 23 in Delta, Louisiana
1882
Moves to Vicksburg, Mississippi with siser, Louvenia
1882
Marries Moses McWilliams
1885
Gives birth to daughter, Lelia
1887
Widowed when McWilliams dies; moves to St. Louis with daughter
1905
Moves to Denver and develops formula for Wonderful Hair Grower
1906
Marries Charles Joseph Walker and changes name to Madam C.J. Walker
1908
Moves to Pittsburgh and opens Lelia College
1910
Moves to Indianapolis to build factory
1912
Travels throughout United States selling products and speaking to major black organizations; donates $1,000 to Indianapolis' black YMCA; divorces C.J. Walker; becomes grandmother when daughter adops Mae Bryant
1913
Travels to Caribbean and Central America on sales trip
1916
Moves to Harlem in New York CIty
1917
Convenes first annual Madam C.J. Walker Hair Culturalists Union of America Convention; visits to President Woodrow Wilson, urging him to make lynching a federal crime.
1918
At the time of her death, her estate -- including real estate, accumulated assets and company value -- was worth a million dollars.
1919
Contributes large sums to NAACP anti-lynching fund and other causes; die on May 25 at Villa LEwaro
1927
Construction for the Madam C.J. Walker Building is complete and opens December 26
1976
Villa Lewaro designated a National Historic Landmark
1998
Becomes 21st person honored in the USPS Black Heritage series
1988
MWTC opens as a cultural arts center
1990
MWTC designated a National Historic LAndmark
2016
Sundial Brands launches Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture hair care products
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #28 Woodrow Wilson, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 25, 1867.
Location. 39° 46.569′ N, 86° 10.052′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Downtown. Marker is on Indiana Avenue west of North West Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 20, 2019
2. Image of Madame C.J. Walker on the side of the Museum
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sigma Theta Tau International (within shouting distance of this marker); James Overall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Indiana Avenue (about 400 feet away); Talking Wall (about 800 feet away); USS Indianapolis CA-35 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mary Cable / School No. 4 Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jones Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ransom Place Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 20, 2019
7. National Historic Landmark plaque on the side of the building
Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 963 times since then and 500 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 7. submitted on April 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.