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

William L. Dawson

1886-1971

— Bronzeville Walk of Fame —

William L. Dawson Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026

1. William L. Dawson Marker

Inscription.
Attorney, alderman
Elected to U.S. Congress, 1942

Erected 1996.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1942.

Location. 41° 50.091′ N, 87° 37.034′ 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 Drive and 33rd Boulevard, in the median on South Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. The marker is in the median of MLK Drive north of 33rd. 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 Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker: Oscar DePriest (a few steps from this marker); Mahalia Jackson (a few steps from this marker); Theodore K. Lawless (within shouting distance of this marker); Bishop Louis Henry Ford (within shouting distance of this marker); Ernest Griffin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Robert W. Roloson Houses (about 500 feet away); Claude Albert Barnett / Etta Moten Barnett (about 600 feet away); Ida B. Wells-Barnett (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Other markers no longer nearby. Camp Douglas (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Douglas Plaza (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Regarding William L. Dawson. Dawson was the first African American to chair a standing committee in the House of Representatives. He served in Congress from 1943 until his death in 1970 (not 1971, as stated on the marker).

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

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026

2. William L. Dawson Marker

William L. Dawson's Congressional portrait image. Click for full size.

Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives, circa 1960

3. William L. Dawson's Congressional portrait

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. 3. submitted on May 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.