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

Robert Motts

1861-1911

— Bronzeville Walk of Fame —

Robert Motts Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 14, 2026

1. Robert Motts Marker

Inscription.
Founded Pekin Theater, 1905

(1st permanent Black-owned theater)

Erected 1996 by City of Chicago.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 41° 50.739′ N, 87° 37.068′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Douglas (Bronzeville). It is at the intersection of South Martin Luther King Drive and East 26th Street, on the right when traveling south on South Martin Luther King Drive. 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.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in 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 walking

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distance of this marker: Katherine Dunham (a few steps from this marker); "Butterbean and Susie" (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert R. Taylor (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Ida Gray Nelson Rollin (within shouting distance of this marker); John H. Johnson (within shouting distance of this marker); John Moutoussamy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Walter T. Bailey Giles (about 300 feet away); Dr. Daniel Hale-Williams (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. Roughly 100 Bronzeville Walk of Fame markers are found around the neighborhood along Martin Luther King Drive between 25th and 35th Streets.

Also see . . . The Pekin: Chicago's First Black-Owned Theater. From the Chicago Public Library. (Submitted on August 17, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Robert Motts Marker at 26th and King Drive image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 14, 2026

2. Robert Motts Marker at 26th and King Drive

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 17, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.