Mile Square in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Harriette Bailey Conn
1922-1981
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
1. Harriette Bailey Conn Marker (Front)
Trailblazing African American lawyer and Indianapolis native Harriette Bailey Conn graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1937. After graduating from Indiana University’s Law School in 1955, she became a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Indiana. She later served as an Indianapolis Assistant City Attorney and advised the city’s Human Rights Commission.
Elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1966 and 1968, Conn championed personal and civil liberties and housing reform. She also worked for criminal justice reform and in 1970 she became the first African American and first woman appointed Public Defender of Indiana. The public defender’s office expanded dramatically under her resolute leadership.
Erected 2021 by Indiana Historical Bureau, the University of Indianapolis, Indiana Humanities, Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, and Karlee Taylor. (Marker Number 49.2021.3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Government & Politics • Law Enforcement • Women. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.
Location. 39° 46.033′ N, 86°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Indiana Theatre (a few steps from this marker); Abraham Lincoln (within shouting distance of this marker); Indiana Woman's Suffrage (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Andrews Hendricks (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas A. Hendricks, 1890 (within shouting distance of this marker); Indiana State House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Lincoln Funeral Train (about 300 feet away); The National Road / Indiana Centennial (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Also see . . . Harriette Bailey Conn. (Submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
2. Harriette Bailey Conn Marker (Back)
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
3. Harriette Bailey Conn Marker
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
4. Harriette Bailey Conn Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 84 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
