Douglas (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ferdinand Lee Barnett

1852-1936

— Bronzeville Walk of Fame —

Ferdinand Lee Barnett Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026

1. Ferdinand Lee Barnett Marker

Inscription. First Black assistant state's attorney, 1896.
Publisher and founder of the Chicago Conservator, 1878

Erected 1996.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 41° 50.202′ N, 87° 37.036′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Douglas (Bronzeville). It is at the intersection of South Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Drive and 32nd Street, in the median on South Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Drive. The marker is embedded into the sidewalk in the median north of 32nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the

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Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ida B. Wells-Barnett (a few steps from this marker); Dr. J.B. Martin (within shouting distance of this marker); John Lee Williamson (within shouting distance of this marker); Theresa Needham (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert W. Roloson Houses (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ernest Griffin (about 400 feet away); Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton (about 400 feet away); Theodore K. Lawless (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Douglas Plaza (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Regarding Ferdinand Lee Barnett. Barnett was born to freed Black parents in Nashville. He and his family fled to Ontario in the years before the Civil War, amid fears that they could be kidnapped into slavery. After the war, the family settled in Chicago, and Barnett attended Northwestern University, where he received a law degree. he was the founding editor of the monthly Conservator, targeted at African Americans.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026

2. Ferdinand Lee Barnett Marker

In 1895, he married Ida B. Wells, who was also a journalist and, like Barnett, an anti-lynching activist. (Ida B. Wells-Barnett's Bronzeville Walk of Fame plaque is across 32nd Street from this one.) From 1919 until 1930, the family lived at 3624 S. Grand Blvd. (now S. MLK Drive), about four blocks south of this marker. He died in 1936 and is buried along side his wife at Oak Woods Cemetery.

Also see . . . Ferdinand Barnett bio. (Submitted on May 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.