King-Lincoln Bronzeville in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Historic Near East Side

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 17, 2026

1. Historic Near East Side Marker

Inscription. This area was once called Bronzeville and was the center of African American social and economic life for many years. Restaurants, barber and beauty shops, medical and dental offices, retail shops and night clubs lined the boulevard. Famous entertainers from all over the world drew patrons from near and far. Many of these businesses were razed by urban renewal in the 1970's. However, many storefronts were saved and renovated and new development has taken place.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 39° 58.112′ N, 82° 58.935′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in King-Lincoln Bronzeville. It is at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and East Spring Street, on the right when traveling south on Hamilton Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 199 Hamilton Ave, Columbus OH 43203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Scioto Valley.

It is also

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in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Helen Carter (a few steps from this marker); Spring Street Bridge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Lincoln Theatre (about 600 feet away); Long Street Bridge and Cultural Wall (about 700 feet away); Shiloh Baptist Church (about 800 feet away); King Lincoln District Arch (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); James Thurber (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 17, 2026

2. Historic Near East Side Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.