Wholesale District in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Madame C.J. Walker

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 20, 2019

1. Madame C.J. Walker Marker

Inscription. Born Sarah Breedlove on December 23, 1867, on the same Delta, Louisiana, plantation where her parents had been slaves until the Civil War, Walker was a businesswoman, social activist and philanthropist. After marrying and moving to St. Louis she began to make and sell hair and skin products for African-American women.

Employing her married name, she founded the Madame C.J. Walker Manufacturing Co. Traveling widely to sell her products and to train saleswomen and customers in their use, she built a large business and social network.

By 1916, she had become an outspoken voice for political and social reforms and shared her wealth by supporting the NAACP, black colleges, orphans' homes and other institutions. Considered the first self-made African American businesswomen. Beginning in 1910 she resided in Indianapolis, where she relocated her production facility.

Madame Walker died May 25, 1919. The Madame C.J. Walker Building on Indiana Avenue, which has long symbolized the spirit of creativity and community pride in Indianapolis, opened in 1927.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:

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African Americans • Civil Rights • Industry & Commerce • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is May 25, 1919.

Location. 39° 45.855′ N, 86° 9.479′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in the Wholesale District. It is on East Georgia Street east of South Meridian Street, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Indianapolis IN 46225, 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 marker: Hibben, Hollweg & Company Building (a few steps from this marker); South Meridian Street (within shouting distance of this marker); McKee Building (within shouting distance of this marker); President Abraham Lincoln (within shouting distance of this marker); Ernest "Ernie" Pyle

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 20, 2019

2. Madame C.J. Walker Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); John W. Murphy Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The House of Crane (within shouting distance of this marker); Lew Wallace (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 20, 2019

3. Madame C.J. Walker Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 411 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.