Mile Square in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lynching of John Tucker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, December 30, 2023
1. Lynching of John Tucker Marker, Side One
John Tucker, a local farmer, was born enslaved in Kentucky ca. 1800 and later obtained his freedom. He moved to Indianapolis by the mid-1830s, where he raised two children. On July 4, 1845, white laborer Nicholas Wood physically assaulted Tucker as he walked along Washington Street. Tucker defended himself against Wood’s attack while retreating up Illinois Street.
A large crowd watched as Wood and two other men beat Tucker to death here. Wood was convicted of manslaughter, a rarity in an era when Black Hoosiers could not testify in court. Wood served three years in prison; the others served no time. Lynchings in Indiana from the mid-1800s to 1930 intentionally terrorized Black communities and enforced white supremacy.
Erected 2023 by Indiana Remembrance Coalition, Leon E. Bates, & Friends to the memory of John Tucker. (Marker Number 49.2023.3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1845.
Location. 39° 46.039′ N, 86° 9.584′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Mile Square.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Griffith Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Bowen-Merrill Fire / Indianapolis Fire Department (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Indiana's Main Street (about 400 feet away); Indiana Theatre (about 400 feet away); L. S. Ayres & Company Department Store Building (about 400 feet away); Origins of Indiana Pride / Indiana LGBTQ Pride (about 400 feet away); James Whitcomb (about 500 feet away); Lacy Building (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Also see . . . Lynching of John Tucker. Excerpt:
On the afternoon of July 4, 1845, John Tucker was lynched in downtown Indianapolis. Finding himself being accosted by a drunken white man, Nicholas Wood, Tucker began to walk toward the Indianapolis Magistrate's office to seek help. But Wood was soon joined by two other white men, William Ballenger (a saloon owner) and Edward Davis. According to the Indiana State Sentinel, an Indiana newspaper that covered the lynching, the assailants attacked Tucker with clubs, stones, and brickbats.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, December 30, 2023
2. Lynching of John Tucker Marker, Side Two
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, December 30, 2023
3. Lynching of John Tucker Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 60 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
