Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

George DeBaptiste Homesite

By J.T. Lambrou, May 3, 2021

1. George DeBaptiste Homesite Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

George DeBaptiste, a long-time Mason, and one of Detroit's most active and impassioned black community leaders, lived on this site during the 1850s and 60s. Born in Virginia about 1815, he moved to Madison, Indiana in 1838 and became involved in the Underground Railroad. Forced to leave because of his anti-slavery activities, DeBaptiste became the personal valet of General William Henry Harrison, whom he accompanied to the White House as a steward. In 1846, DeBaptiste came to Detroit and conducted several successful businesses. At the same time he served as a delegate to the Cleveland National Convention of Colored Citizens, and as an agent for the Freedman's Aid Commission. During the Civil War, he served as an organizer of Michigan's Colored Regiment. DeBaptiste died in 1875.

Erected 1975 by State of Michigan. (Marker Number S0452.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Civil Rights

By Al Barrera, December 16, 2008

2. George DeBaptiste Homesite Marker

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• War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #09 William Henry Harrison, and the Michigan Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1815.

Location. 42° 19.887′ N, 83° 2.423′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker is on East Larned Street near Beaubien Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dearborn MI 48126, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Salvation Army (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shrine Circus (about 700 feet away); Frederick Douglass - John Brown Meeting (about 700 feet away); Mariners' Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); U.S. Topographical Engineers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Detroit Cornice and Slate Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); University of Michigania (approx. ¼ mile away); Holy Family Church (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2008, by Al Barrera of Brownstown, Michigan. This page has been viewed 2,142 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 4, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on December 16, 2008, by Al Barrera of Brownstown, Michigan. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.