Medford in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

The Black Dahlia

Photographed By Steve Stoessel, May 6, 2023

1. The Black Dahlia Marker

Inscription.
This plaque has been placed in memory of Elizabeth Short, the victim of one of the nation's most infamous and unsolved crimes.

"Betty" Short was born on July 29, 1924 and lived at 115 Salem Street, the site now occupied by the Interstate #93 rotary. She attended Medford High School until June of 1940 and then moved to Hollywood to pursue an acting career. Her strikingly attractive features, jet black hair and penchant for dark attire earned her the name of “The Black Dahlia.” On January 15, 1947 her severed and mutilated body was discovered in a vacant Los Angeles lot. Newspapers, books, magazines, motion pictures and television have chronicled her story. The slaying of Medford's "Black Dahlia" continues to remain a mystery.

Erected 1993 by Medford Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is January 15, 1947.

Location. 42° 25.166′ N, 71° 6.144′ W. Marker is in Medford, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. Marker is at the intersection of Salem Street (Massachusetts Route 60) and Interstate 93, on the right when traveling west on Salem Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 192 Salem Street, Medford MA 02155, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. [History of Medford Government] (approx. 0.2 miles away); David McGillyray's 3,452-Mile Run (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cemetery for the Enslaved (approx. 0.3 miles away); Salem Street Burying Ground (approx. 0.3 miles away); “Jingle Bells” Composed Here (approx. 0.4 miles away); Captain Isaac Hall Hitching Post (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hanley Sound (approx. 0.6 miles away); Royall House (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Medford.

Also see . . .
1. Black Dahlia Memorial (Atlas Obscura). Massachusetts memorial to murder victim Elizabeth Short near the spot where she was born. (Submitted on May 6, 2023.)

2. The Black Dahlia. (Submitted on May 6, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)

Photographed By Steve Stoessel, May 6, 2023

2. The Black Dahlia Marker

The Black Dahlia Marker At Rotary image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Steve Stoessel, May 6, 2023

3. The Black Dahlia Marker At Rotary

Credits. This page was last revised on April 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 294 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 6, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.