Oak Park in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Percy L. Julian
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, December 4, 2021
1. Percy L. Julian Marker
Percy L. Julian
(1899 - 1975)
Dr. Julian was a research chemist who achieved international recognition as millions benefited from his groundbreaking work in synthesizing chemicals from the calabar bean and soybean plants. These chemicals were used in paint, liquid crystals, firefighting foam, cortisone, sex hormones, vitamins and amino acids Julian was one of the first African- Americans to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Julian moved to Oak Park in 1951 where he lived until his death in 1975. Despite an arson attack and a bombing of his home, Julian was a pioneer in the racial integration of Oak Park.
Erected 2004.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1951.
Location. 41° 53.343′ N, 87° 47.757′ W. Marker is in Oak Park, Illinois, in Cook County. It can be reached from Lake Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 834 Lake Street, Oak Park IL 60301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. 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, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Land Acknowledgement (a few steps from this marker); Joseph and Betty Kettlestrings (a few steps from this marker); Joseph Kettlestrings (within shouting distance of this marker); Unity Temple (within shouting distance of this marker); World War I Monument: Peace Triumphant (within shouting distance of
this page online
More about this marker. The bust and marker are located at the very western edge of Scoville Park, close to the entrance of the Oak Park Public Library.
Also see . . .
1. Percy Lavon Julian (Science History Institute).
"A steroid chemist and an entrepreneur, Percy Julian ingeniously figured out how to synthesize important medicinal compounds from abundant plant sources, making them more affordable to mass-produce."(Submitted on December 8, 2021.)
2. Percy Julian pushed past racial barriers amid attacks on his Oak Park home (Chic. Trib. 2/15/2019). The Tribune provides not only a biography, but also a detailed look at the attacks on Julian and the public and governmental responses to those attacks at that time. (Submitted on December 8, 2021.)
3. How Percy Julian Became One of the Worlds Greatest Scientists (feat. Jordan Peele) - Drunk History. A light-hearted look at a serious topic. (Submitted on December 8, 2021.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, December 4, 2021
2. Percy L. Julian Bust and Marker
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, December 4, 2021
3. Percy L. Julian Bust
The bust of Percy Julian was commissioned by the Institute for Science Education and Technology, sculpted by Erich Blome, and installed on October 25, 2003. The marker itself was installed the following year.
courtesy of the University of Illinois at Chicago Library
4. Dr. Percy Julian
Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,049 times since then and 123 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 8, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
