Bronzeville in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Scott Joplin
1868-1917
| — | Bronzeville Walk of Fame | — |
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 28, 2026
1. Scott Joplin Marker
Erected 1996 by City of Chicago.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 41° 50.234′ N, 87° 37.016′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Bronzeville. It can be reached from South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive north of East 32nd Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Chicago’s South Side and in Chicago’s Bronzeville. It is also 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
this page online
Regarding Scott Joplin. Scott Joplin was born and raised in Texarkana, Texas. His primary link to Chicago is during the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, when he formed a band that played ragtime, helping to popularize the music in the next several years. He later moved to Missouri and then New York. He died in 1917 at age 48, spending his final months in a mental institution due to dementia caused by syphilis.
Also see . . .
1. Scott Joplin bio. From WBSS Media.
Excerpt: "Scott Joplin (c. 1867/68 or November 24, 1868 – April 1, 1917) was an African-American composer(Submitted on October 2, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)and pianist. Joplin achieved fame for his ragtime compositions and was dubbed the 'King of Ragtime'. During his brief career, he wrote 44 original ragtime pieces, one ragtime ballet, and two operas. One of his first and most popular pieces, the 'Maple Leaf Rag', became ragtime's first and most influential hit, and has been recognized as the archetypal rag."Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 28, 20262. Scott Joplin Marker
2. Scott Joplin & the World's Fair. From the "A History of Jazz in Chicago" blog.
Excerpt: "He traveled to the city of Chicago in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exposition, more commonly referred to as the Chicago World’s Fair. This enormous event showcased neoclassical architecture, anthropological exhibits, the newest in railway technology, plants, and the first ever moving walkway. Sandy Mazzola writes in the American Music journal that, 'Countless band musicians flocked to the metropolis, among them the legendary Scott Joplin, who allegedly played cornet in a band for a sideshow near the official fairgrounds. His presence provides one more indication that events promoted or encouraged by the fair(Submitted on October 2, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)were transforming the character of musical entertainment in Chicago' (Mazzola 420). His style really began to catch on after his performances at the World’s Fair and his stay in Chicago."Courtesy of Library of Congress, circa 19073. Scott Joplin Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 2 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 2, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
