Great Lakes in Lake County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Black and White
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
1. Black and White Marker
In the early months of World War II, the Navy Department designated Great Lakes as the only site for training African-American recruits. Since recruit training camps were named after naval heroes, it was thought fitting to do the same for the camp that would train African-American sailors. The recruits and Service School students were trained at Camp Robert Smalls, named for the African-American Civil War hero. During the War, Service School Command saw integration as a practical and necessary step to improve training for all Sailors. In 1944, a few African-American students were integrated with whites on an experimental basis. The experiment proved successful and soon the “Negro Service Schools” disappeared.
Erected by Naval Station Great Lakes.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Patriots & Patriotism • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1944.
Location. 42° 18.745′ N, 87° 50.411′ W. Marker is in Great Lakes, Illinois, in Lake County
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Golden Thirteen (here, next to this marker); Origins of the Base / Construction (here, next to this marker); The First Recruit / Original Historic Structures (here, next to this marker); World War I / Between the Wars (a few steps from this marker); Building Five (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Architectural Design (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Lakes Athletics (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Great Lakes.
Also see . . .
1. Naval Station Great Lakes. Station website homepage (Submitted on November 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. National Museum of the American Sailor. Museum website homepage (Submitted on November 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Great Lakes Naval Training Station. Encyclopedia of Chicago website entry (Submitted on November 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. Doris Miller. Naval History and Heritage Command website biographical entry (Submitted on November 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
2. Photo on Black and White Marker
[Caption reads] Dorie Miller, World War II war hero [recruiting poster]
5. Minorities and Women in the US Navy. Naval History and Heritage Command website bibliographic entry (Submitted on November 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
3. Photo on Black and White Marker
[Caption reads] Practical Radio Theory, Radioman School, Great Lakes, Illinois
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
4. Photo on Black and White Marker
[Caption reads] Automatic Fire Arms Practice, Gunner's Mate School, Great Lakes, Illinois
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
5. Photo on Black and White Marker
[Caption reads]"For This We Fight", Great Lakes, Illinois
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
6. Black and White Marker
Looking northeast
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 913 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
