Downtown in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Elizabeth Keckley

1818 - 1907

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 19, 2019

1. Elizabeth Keckley Marker

Inscription. Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley (1818-1907), born into slavery in Virginia, was hired out as a seamstress. With money from clients, she bought her own and her son's freedom in 1855. She gained renown as a dressmaker after moving to Washington, where First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln became her frequent client and close friend. Keckley helped found organizations to assist formerly enslaved people, and later taught at Wilberforce University in Ohio. She rented rooms at various downtown addresses, including nearby 1509 L Street.

Erected 2019 by Charles Bergen Studios, funded by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities Public Art Building Communities Grant and the Downtown Business Improvement District. (Marker Number 5850-2019.)

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 Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.

Location. 38° 54.161′ N, 77° 2.01′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of K Street Northwest (U.S. 29) and Vermont Avenue Northwest, on the

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right when traveling west on K Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1432 K Street Northwest, Washington DC 20005, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Major General James B. McPherson (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Josephine Butler (about 500 feet away); Katharine Graham (about 500 feet away); Site of Chamberlin's (about 500 feet away); United Mine Workers of America Building (about 600 feet away); John Barry Memorial (about 600 feet away); "The First of Patriots - The Best of Men" (about 600 feet away); Discover DC / McPherson Square (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 19, 2019

2. Elizabeth Keckley Marker

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 19, 2019

3. Elizabeth Keckley Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 353 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 19, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.