Downtown West in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

William L. "Bill" Clay, Sr.

Born April 30, 1931

Photographed by Jason Voigt, January 23, 2023

1. William L. "Bill" Clay, Sr. Marker

Inscription. William L. "Bill" Clay, Sr. was born in St. Louis and received a B.S. degree from St. Louis University. In 1968, he became the 1st black Missourian to be elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus and the William L. Clay Scholarship and Research Fund.

Erected by Gateway Community Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is April 30, 1931.

Location. 38° 38.198′ N, 90° 12.445′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Downtown West. It is on Doctor Martin Luther King Drive (Missouri Route D) west of North 20th Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2000 Dr Martin Luther King Dr, Saint Louis MO 63106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

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Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Freeman R. Bosley, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Maxine Waters (here, next to this marker); Wendell Pruitt (here, next to this marker); Roscoe Robinson, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Jackie Joyner-Kersee (here, next to this marker); Earl Wilson, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Elston Howard (a few steps from this marker); Tuskegee Airmen of St. Louis (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Louis.

Also see . . . Bill Clay on Wikipedia. Clay (1931-2025) would serve in Missouri's Congressional District 1 from 1969 to 2001. Since 1969, an African American has been elected to represent that district, including Clay's son, Lacy Clay (2001-2021), Cori Bush (2021-25) and as of 2025, Wesley Bell. (Submitted on February 11, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2023

2. William L. "Bill" Clay, Sr. Marker

Marker (on the left) is next to other sidewalk plaques

William L. "Bill" Clay, Sr. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Unknown

3. William L. "Bill" Clay, Sr.

Photo was possibly taken by a U.S. Congress photographer

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2023

4. William L. "Bill" Clay, Sr. Marker

Sidewalk plaques are outside the Hopewell Center, formerly the Gateway Community Foundation building

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 283 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 10, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 2. submitted on April 3, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3. submitted on February 10, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 4. submitted on April 3, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.