Covington in Kenton County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

African American Elks

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 30, 2021

1. African American Elks Marker

Inscription.
Covington native Benjamin F. Howard (1860-1918) was co-founder, with Arthur J. Riggs of Shelbyville of the first national African American Elks organization, called Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World. Chartered in Ohio, 1899; Howard elected as first Grand Exalted Ruler. Covington's Ira Lodge No. 37 formed in early 1900s.

Erected 1985 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways; presented by the City of Covington and Kentucky African American Heritage Commission. (Marker Number 1956.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.

Location. 39° 4.758′ N, 84° 30.348′ W. Marker is in Covington, Kentucky, in Kenton County. It is at the intersection of Greenup Street (Kentucky Route 17) and East 11th Street, on the left when traveling north on Greenup Street. Marker is at east end of B.F. Howard Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Covington KY 41011, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Outer Bluegrass. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Ohio River Valley.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Spennenberg Grocery (a few steps from this marker); Dr. James E. Randolph

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(within shouting distance of this marker); William L. Grant / Lincoln and Grant Schools (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jacob Price (approx. 0.2 miles away); Northern KY’s 1st Hospital (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sandford House / Western Baptist Theological Institute (approx. 0.3 miles away); Henry Farny Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Covington & Lexington Turnpike (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Covington.

Also see . . . History of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World. From the still-active organization's website. (Submitted on June 4, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 30, 2021

2. African American Elks Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 694 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.