Babe Didrikson Zaharias
(June 26, 1911 - September 27, 1956)
Birthplace of
Babe Didrikson Zaharias
(June 26, 1911 - September 27, 1956)
One of seven children, Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson was the daughter of Norwegian immigrants Hannah Marie (d. 1945) and Ole Didrikson (d. 1943). For the first several years of her life, the family occupied a frame house at this location. Later they moved to Beaumont. The Didriksons encouraged their children to develop their natural athletic abilities. Called "Baby" by her family, Mildred was later nicknamed "Babe" for baseball star Babe Ruth.
Babe first demonstrated her athletic skill as a high school basketball star. After training in track and field events, she won two gold medals at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. An exceptionally versatile athlete, Babe excelled in baseball, bowling, tennis, and other sports. Eventually she concentrated her efforts on golf and won many tournaments as both an amateur and a professional. The Associated Press named her the "Woman Athlete of the First Half of the 20th Century."
In 1938 Babe married George Zaharias. Popular with sports fans for her skill and personality, she won further admiration during a long and courageous battle against cancer. She died in Galveston and was buried in Beaumont.
Erected 1979 by
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Sports • Women. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 26, 1911.
Location. 29° 53.242′ N, 93° 55.469′ W. Marker is in Port Arthur, Texas, in Jefferson County. It is on West Rev. Dr. Ransom Howard Street south of Liberty Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2232 Seventh Street, Port Arthur TX 77640, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Golden Triangle. It is also in the American South, on the Gulf Coast, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in 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 Republic of Texas, 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: Trinity Lutheran Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Warne Gates (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ellwood - Craig House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Pompeiian Villa (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sparks Settlement Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Federated Women's Clubs Of Port Arthur (approx. 0.4 miles away); Clubhouse of the Federated Womens Clubs of Port Arthur (approx. 0.4 miles away); Vuylsteke House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Arthur.
More about this marker. Seventh Street is known as West Rev. Dr. Ransom Howard Street at this location. GPS will find address given on Seventh Street.
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Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 644 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 3, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
