Downtown in Rochester in Monroe County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Historic Site in Journalism

[The North Star]

Photographed by Yugoboy, May 25, 2012

1. Historic Site in Journalism Marker

Inscription. On this site, Frederick Douglass (1817-1895) published an anti-slavery newspaper, The North Star, and succeeding journals from 1847 until 1863. He had escaped from slavery in his youth and become one of the most eloquent speakers and aggressive journalists in the abolitionist movement. He won recognition as the leading spokesman for the black cause after the Civil War and received several federal appointments in that capacity.

Erected 1976 by The Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Civil Rights • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Historic Sites in Journalism series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 43° 9.345′ N, 77° 36.705′ W. Marker is in Rochester, New York, in Monroe County. It is in Downtown. It is on Main St. near Aqueduct St., on the right when traveling east. From the street, the marker is partially hidden behind a bus shelter. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rochester NY 14614, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

specifically in Western New York,

and in the Finger Lakes.

It is also in the American Northeast,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Reynolds Arcade (within shouting distance of this marker); Frederick Douglass 1815-1895

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Powers and Wilder Buildings (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Mills and Races (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Front Street (about 300 feet away); Tavern of Silvius Hoard (about 300 feet away); From Hunting Ground to City (about 400 feet away); Erie Canal (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.

More about this marker. Next to the bus shelter is a more detailed sign/plaque with more information on Douglass and the North Star, and Douglass' life and work. Just inside the building is a small display on Douglass. On the north side of Main St. facing south is a granite pedestal with a metal plaque with more information on Douglass.

Additional keywords. North Star Newspaper, Frederick Douglass' Newspaper

Photographed by Yugoboy, May 25, 2012

2. Historic Site in Journalism Marker

Wide shot facing East

Photographed by Yugoboy

3. Historic Site in Journalism Marker

Wide shot facing West

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2012, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. This page has been viewed 982 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 26, 2012, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.