Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

George B. Vashon

1824-1878

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, June 26, 2026

1. George B. Vashon Marker

Inscription. Lawyer, writer, educator, and abolitionist. Oberlin College's first Black graduate and valedictorian, 1844. Denied a seat on Pa. bar due to race: became first Black lawyer in New York, 1848. A founder and professor at Howard University, and president of Avery College. Grew up nearby.

Erected 2026 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Education • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.

Location. 40° 26.371′ N, 80° 0.206′ W. Marker is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County. It is at the intersection of Third Avenue and Market Street, on the right when traveling east on Third Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pittsburgh PA 15222, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in the Ohio River Valley,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically,

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

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Martin R. Delany (a few steps from this marker); John Scull (within shouting distance of this marker); Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Burke's Landmark (about 300 feet away); Benedum-Trees Building (about 300 feet away); The First Holy Mass at Fort Duquesne (about 400 feet away); The Mansion House (about 500 feet away); Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Building (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittsburgh.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Work Accidents and the Law (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . George Boyer Vashon at Findagrave. (Submitted on June 29, 2026, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, June 26, 2026

2. George B. Vashon Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2026, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 21 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2026, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.