Urban Core in Jacksonville in Duval County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
John Rosamond Johnson
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, April 19, 2020
1. John Rosamond Johnson Marker
On this site, in a small frame house, John Rosamond Johnson was born on August 11, 1873. Rosamond was a genuine prodigy, teaching himself piano by age 4. In 1890, he attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He then later studied music in London as well.
In 1900, he put the words of his brothers poem, “Lift Evry Voice and Sing” to music. This became first the unofficial, then official Black National Anthem.
Rosamond moved to New York after 1900, where he became a very successful song writer, composer, author and performer. He wrote over 200 popular songs and four operettas. Additionally, he arranged over 150 Negro spirituals and authored four books.
J. Rosamond Johnsons works are enshrined in a Special Collection at Yale University.
Erected by Durkeeville Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 30° 19.802′ N, 81° 40.205′ W. Marker is in Jacksonville, Florida, in Duval County. It is in Urban Core. It is at the intersection of Lee Street and Houston Street, on the left when traveling north on Lee Street. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Florida’s First Coast. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: James Weldon Johnson (here, next to this marker); Fort Hatch (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Brewster Hospital (about 700 feet away); The Line of Intrenchments (about 800 feet away); a different marker also named United States Railroad Administration Locomotive (approx. 0.3 miles away); El Modelo Cigar Factory (approx. 0.4 miles away); "Old Stanton" High School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Second Missionary Baptist Church of LaVilla (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jacksonville.
Another marker is no longer nearby. United States Railroad Administration Locomotive (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, April 19, 2020
2. John Rosamond Johnson Marker
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, April 19, 2020
3. Photo Insert: John Rosamond Johnson
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, April 19, 2020
4. Lift Evry Voice and Sing Park sign
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 458 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 20, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
