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

Parker's Alley

Established 2019

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 12, 2021

1. Parker's Alley Marker

Inscription. After the devastating fire of 1805, Detroiters, ever resilient, set out to rebuild the city. Vital to this pursuit was an emerging black community that within a generation would eradicate slavery and begin establishing its mark on the city's social, political, and economic development. During this time, four African Americans became Detroit's first black landowners- Elizabeth Cooper, Pompey Abbott, Hannah Ashley, and Thomas Parker. At this site is Lot 70 in Section 7 owned by Thomas Parker. To commemorate this history, the Shinola Hotel named this area Parker's Alley.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1805.

Location. 42° 20.064′ N, 83° 2.895′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Downtown Detroit. Marker is at the intersection of Grand River Avenue and Parkers Alley, on the right when traveling west on Grand River Avenue. Located on the SE corner of Shinola Hotel. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1400 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI 48226, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. L.B. King and Company Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Kresge Korner (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Vernor's Ginger Ale

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(about 300 feet away); Statue of Abraham Lincoln (about 300 feet away); The Kern Clock (about 400 feet away); Finney Barn (about 600 feet away); Detroit's Underground Railway Station (about 600 feet away); Henry the Hatter (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 12, 2021

2. Parker's Alley Marker

Marker at entrance to alley off Grand River

Parker's Alley image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 12, 2021

3. Parker's Alley

View down the alley featuring several businesses

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 955 times since then and 179 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 15, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.