Old Louisville in Jefferson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Sit-in Demonstration Site
The Brown Hotel
— 335 West Broadway —
Photographed By Shane Oliver, July 26, 2021
1. Sit-in Demonstration Site Marker
Built in 1923 by Louisville businessman James Graham Brown, the Brown Hotel has anchored the 'Magic Corner' of Fourth and Broadway for decades. Over the years the hotel has hosted an array of dignitaries, actors, and presidents, as well as weddings and civic events.
Since its opening, The Brown has served as an iconic Louisville establishment. During the 1961 'Nothing New for Easter' boycott, Civil Rights demonstrators targeted many businesses, including The Brown, in the downtown area to encourage local government officials to pass the Public Accommodations Ordinance.
Today, the Brown Hotel continues its long tradition of being a downtown Louisville cornerstone and remains committed to providing all of its patrons with excellent service.
"In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute."
Thurgood Marshall
May, 2014
Erected 2014 by University of Louisville: College of Arts and Sciences and Office for International, Diversity and Outreach Programs, NAACP Louisville Chapter, Louisville Metro Council, Louisville Downtown Partnership, Kentucky Commission
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 38° 14.768′ N, 85° 45.497′ W. Marker is in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. It is in Old Louisville. Marker is at the intersection of West Broadway and South 4th Street, on the left when traveling east on West Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 342 W Broadway, Louisville KY 40202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. J. Graham Brown (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Sit-in Demonstration Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Weissinger-Gaulbert Apartments (about 500 feet away); YMCA Building (about 600 feet away); Sit-In Demonstration Site (about 700 feet away); Murray Atkins Walls (about 700 feet away); First Unitarian Church (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Sit-In Demonstration Site (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.
Photographed By Shane Oliver, July 26, 2021
2. Intersection of S 4th Street and W Broadway
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 210 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 5, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
