Axtell Park in Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Martin Luther King
October 7, 2022
1. Martin Luther King Marker (Side one)
Because of mob violence, the governor of Georgia earlier that day had suspended two black students from the University of Georgia and ordered state troopers to removed them from the school. When interviewed at Joe Foss Field, Dr. King was asked about the upheaval in Georgia. He bluntly answered, "When public officials predict violence, it is an invitation to violence. ...Mobs function when they feel they are being aided and abetted by law enforcement authorities."
In the afternoon an informal reception was held for Dr. King at the First Baptist Church. That evening he addressed a dinner meeting of the Knife & Fork Club at the Cataract Hotel.
Two years later his "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington, D.C., electrified the nation, and he was honored as Time Magazine "Man of the Year." In 1964 King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Martin Luther King Day, a national holiday, began in 1986.
Erected 2008 by the Minnehaha County Historical Society, the students of Garfield Elementary School, the Jon Kentfield
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 12, 1961.
Location. 43° 33.001′ N, 96° 43.846′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It is in Axtell Park. Marker is at the intersection of North Minnesota Avenue (Interstate 90BS) and West 7th Street, on the right when traveling north on North Minnesota Avenue. Located in Van Eps Park in Sioux Falls. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 N Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls SD 57104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Congregation Sons of Israel (within shouting distance of this marker); First Baptist Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Law Exchange Block (about 700 feet away); The Minnehaha County Courthouse (about 800 feet away); Willey-Williams Building (about 800 feet away); John Deere (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Hanging of an Innocent Man (approx. 0.2 miles away); Two Cemeteries (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.
October 7, 2022
2. Martin Luther King Marker (Side two)
October 7, 2022
3. Martin Luther King Marker, from the north
October 7, 2022
4. Martin Luther King Marker, from the south
October 7, 2022
5. "Martin Luther King"
Artist: Porter Williams SD
Sculpture Dedication: January 20, 2020
Sculpture Dedication: January 20, 2020
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2022. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 18, 2022.
