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

George DeBaptiste Homesite

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 3, 2021

1. George DeBaptiste Homesite Marker

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 • 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′

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W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Downtown Detroit. 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. Chapoton House (a few steps from this marker); David Dunbar Buick / Buick Motor Company (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); SS. Peter and Paul Church (about 600 feet away); First Jewish Religious Services (about 700 feet away); Frederick Douglass - John Brown Meeting (about 700 feet away); The Salvation Army (about 700 feet away); Shrine Circus (about 700 feet away); Maj. General Anthony Wayne U.S.A. (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

George DeBaptiste Homesite Marker at intersection of Larned and Beabien. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 3, 2021

2. George DeBaptiste Homesite Marker at intersection of Larned and Beabien.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2008, by Al Barrera of Brownstown, Michigan. This page has been viewed 2,675 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 4, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on May 21, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.