Michigan City in LaPorte County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Naomi Anderson
Hometown Suffragist
Photographed by Lou Donkle, July 27, 2022
1. Naomi Anderson Marker
Naomi Bowman Talbert Anderson was born on March 1, 1843, in Michigan City, Indiana. Her parents, Elijah and Guilly Ann Bowman were born free people of color. Although schools in Indiana were segregated, Naomi was invited to enroll in Michigan City's public school at age 12 after the school read her poetry. Ms. Anderson became a nationally known writer, public speaker and activist. She devoted her adult life to championing human rights and advocating for women's right to vote.
1843 Born In Michigan City, Indiana
1869 Gives First Major Speech on Women's Suffrage
1870s Lectures In Five States, Civic Involvement, Philanthropy
1880s Fights for Racial Justice and Women's Suffrage
1890s Campaigns with Susan B. Anthony
1899 Dies in California at Age 56
This Celebrating Naomi Anderson project received support from a Preserving Women's Legacy Grant, a program of the Indiana Women's Suffrage Centennial presented by Indiana Humanities and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs through funding from the state of Indiana. Celebrating Naomi Anderson is a project of the Michigan City Mainstreet Association. Project partners include NAACP of La Porte County Unit 3061, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, and Unity Foundation of La Porte County.
Erected 2021
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Civil Rights • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.
Location. 41° 43.168′ N, 86° 53.884′ W. Marker is in Michigan City, Indiana, in LaPorte County. It is on East Michigan Boulevard east of West Michigan Boulevard (U.S. 12), on the left when traveling east. The marker and sculpture installation are next to, and east of, Westcott Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 E Michigan Blvd, Michigan City IN 46360, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northwest Indiana, specifically on the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan Shore, and in Greater South Bend. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. 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
Photographed by Lou Donkle, July 27, 2022
2. "Celebrating Naomi Anderson" Sculpture Garden and Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Charles R. Westcott (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lincoln Funeral Train (approx. Ό mile away); First Log Cabin in Michigan City (approx. Ό mile away); Michigan City Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Michigan Road (approx. 0.3 miles away); Elston Grove Historic District (approx. 0.3 miles away); Barker Mansion (approx. 0.4 miles away); Barker Civic Center (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Michigan City.
Also see . . . Naomi Anderson. Michigan City Public Library Biography and excerpts from some of her writings and speeches
I present myself to you as a composition of humanity, for there flows through my veins a combination of the blood of four distinct nations, of which the greater part is Dutch, part Indian, part African, and the lesser part Irish. I am an American, because here I was born. I am true, because I love the dear old flag. I am on the right side of the question, because I believe woman was made a helpmate for man ; that he is but half(Submitted on February 3, 2026, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana.)a man without woman (applause), and you need her help as well in political affairs as you do in private or domestic affairs. And, gentlemen, I warn you no longer to stand out in refusing the right for which we contend ; in trying to withhold from these noble ladies here and their darker sisters the franchise they now demandPhotographed by Lou Donkle, July 27, 20223. Naomi Anderson Sculpture and Marker
Photographed by Lou Donkle, July 27, 2022
4. Marker and Sculpture Garden are located to the right of Charles R. Westcott Park
Photographed by Lou Donkle, April 4, 2024
5. Naomi Anderson exhibit at the Michigan City Lighthouse Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 807 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 28, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. 5. submitted on April 5, 2024, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
