Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Wiley H. Bates: The Man
Wiley H. Bates was born into slavery on a North Carolina plantation in 1859, attending only three days of schooling in his lifetime. He built a legacy based on hard work and economic success, triumphing in what he called "the race of life."
Bates moved to Annapolis with his mother and brothers after the Civil War. He first worked as a laborer then peddled oysters, and later opened a dry goods store. Established in retail, Bates then expanded into real estate, purchasing his first property at age 27. He and his wife, Annie, became prominent in Annapolis society. Bates served his community as Church Trustee, Master Mason, and City Council Alderman.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 38° 58.509′ N, 76° 30.68′ W. Marker is in Annapolis, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. Marker is on Smithville Street, 0.1 miles east of South Villa Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1101 Smithville St, Annapolis MD 21401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wiley H. Bates (here, next to this marker); Wiley H. Bates: His Educational Legacy (here, next to this marker); Bates: The Center of Community Life
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Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 142 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 1, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
