Washington Square West in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Octavius V. Catto

(1839-1871)

Photographed By Don Morfe, March 11, 2015

1. Octavius V. Catto Marker

Inscription. An early graduate of the Institute for Colored Youth. Catto, who lived here, was an educator, Union Army major, and political organizer. In 1871 he was assassinated by rioters while urging Blacks to vote. His death was widely mourned.

Erected 1991 by Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 39° 56.55′ N, 75° 9.354′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Washington Square West. Marker is on South Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 812 South Street, Philadelphia PA 19147, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Robert Mara Adger (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry L. Phillips (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Supporting Popcorn for the People (about 400 feet away); William Whipper (about 600 feet away); Institute For Colored Youth (about 600 feet away); Joe Venuti (about 600 feet away); Pennsylvania Hospital

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(about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Pennsylvania Hospital (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Photographed By Don Morfe, March 11, 2015

2. Octavius V. Catto Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 18, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 469 times since then and 48 times this year. Last updated on December 28, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 18, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.