Chickasaw in Louisville in Jefferson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

"Little Africa"

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 27, 2020

1. "Little Africa" Marker (Side A)

Inscription. Located west of 32nd and south of Garland Ave., "Little Africa" was original African American section of Parkland. Settled in 1870s, African Americans first called it "Needmore." "Little Africa" evolved from a shantytown into a thriving community by 1920, with several hundred homes, six churches, and various businesses and schools.

"Little Africa" embodied the black self-help ethic. The Parkland Improvement Club helped to add items such as cinder walks and mailboxes to the community. The town of "Little Africa" disappeared ca. 1948 when work began on the Cotter Homes Project, named for early resident, poet, and educator Joseph S. Cotter (1861-1949).
Presented by African American Heritage Foundation.

Erected 2001 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2074.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.

Location. 38° 14.382′ N, 85° 48.93′ W. Marker is in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. It is in Chickasaw.

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Marker is at the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Interstate 264, on the left when traveling west on Virginia Avenue. Marker is at the Interstate 264 Northbound exit ramp to Virginia Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Louisville KY 40211, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Virginia Avenue Colored School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Muhammad Ali's Home Site / "Education Brings Self-Respect" — Muhammad Ali (approx. 0.4 miles away); Home of Anne & Carl Braden / Civil Rights Landmark (approx. 0.6 miles away); Samuel M. Plato, 1882-1957 (approx. 0.8 miles away); Carl Braden Memorial Center / Home to Campaigns for Racial Justice (approx. 0.9 miles away); Calvary Baptist Church (approx. 0.9 miles away); Fort Southworth (approx. 0.9 miles away); Algonquin Park / Dirt Bowl (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.

Also see . . . "Little Africa". From Kentucky Historical Society's Explore KY History program. (Submitted on December 4, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

"Little Africa" Marker (Side B) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 27, 2020

2. "Little Africa" Marker (Side B)

"Little Africa" Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 27, 2020

3. "Little Africa" Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 738 times since then and 102 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 4, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.