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

Detroit Plaindealer

Detroit <i>Plaindealer</i> Marker image. Click for full size.

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

1. Detroit Plaindealer Marker

Inscription. The office of the Plaindealer, Detroit’s first successful black newspaper, was located on this site. Founded in 1883 by five young men, it served as an advocate of black interests in Michigan and throughout the Midwest. Especially concerned with developing racial pride, the paper preferred the designation Afro-American rather than Negro, and encouraged the support of black businessmen and politicans. Its managing editor, Robert Pelham Jr., was perhaps the best-known black political figure in late nineteenth-century Detroit. In 1889 he helped organize the Afro-American League, the first nationally prominent civil rights group. Later he held the position of census clerk with the federal government. The Plaindealer, however, failed to receive sufficient financial support in the community, and ceased publication in 1894.

Erected 1975 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number S0451.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 42° 19.947′ N, 83° 2.986′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Downtown Detroit.

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It is at the intersection of State Street and Shelby Street, on the left when traveling west on State Street. Mounted on the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel at the northeast corner. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit MI 48226, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Michigan's First Capitol / Capitol Union School (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Capitol Building in Michigan (within shouting distance of this marker); Finney Barn / William Dolarson (within shouting distance of this marker); Detroit's Underground Railway Station (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The War of 1812 in Detroit / War of 1812 Grave Site (about 300 feet away); Chicago Road (about 400 feet away); General Casimir Pulaski (about 500 feet away); The Kern Clock (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

Another marker is no longer nearby. War of 1812 Dead (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Additional keywords. Detroit Plaindealer

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

2. Detroit Plaindealer Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 917 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.