Wolf Creek in Dayton in Montgomery County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Paul Laurence Dunbar

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 14, 2009

1. Paul Laurence Dunbar Marker

Inscription. Born on June 27, 1872 in Dayton to former slaves Joshua and Matilda Dunbar, Paul Laurence Dunbar developed a love of stories during his early years. He wrote his first poem at age six and recited his original Easter Ode at age nine to the congregation of the Baker Street A.M.E. Church. At age 17 Dunbar developed and edited the first Dayton African American newspaper, The Dayton Tattler, printed by Orville and Wilbur Wright. With such notable titles as Majors and Minors and Lyrics of Lowly Life in 1896, Dunbar finished four collected volumes of short stories, four novels, three published plays, lyrics for 13 songs, fourteen books of poetry, 400 published poems, and uncounted essays on social and racial topics over a thirteen year period. These works helped him achieve national recognition and international acclaim as America's first professional writer of African American heritage. He died in Dayton on February 9, 1906.

Erected 2003 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 8-57.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Communications.

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In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the National Historic Landmarks, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1791.

Location. 39° 45.463′ N, 84° 13.133′ W. Marker is in Dayton, Ohio, in Montgomery County. It is in Wolf Creek. Marker is on Paul Laurence Dunbar Street south of Edison Street, on the right. Marker is in front of the Paul Laurence Dunbar House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 219 N Paul Laurence Dunbar Street, Dayton OH 45402, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Coming Home (here, next to this marker); Rising to the Challenge (within shouting distance of this marker); Making His Way With Words (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Enon Missionary Baptist Church / Euclid Avenue United Brethren Church (approx. ¼ mile away); The Professor of the Propeller (approx. ¼ mile away); Orville's Last Workshop (approx. ¼ mile away); 31 Years at the Lab (approx. 0.3 miles away); Major General Harry G. Armstrong (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dayton.

Regarding Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Paul Laurence Dunbar Home and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 14, 2009

2. Paul Laurence Dunbar Home and Marker

"Coming Home" marker immediately right of steps. "Home of Paul Laurence Dunbar" marker on front wall to right of porch.

The Dunbar House is a National Historic Landmark.

Also see . . . Historic American Buildings Survey - Statement of Significance. The Paul Laurence Dunbar House in Dayton, Ohio was the last home of Paul Laurence Dunbar, generally regarded as the first black American to achieve distinction in the literary field. The home was built in 1894 and was purchased by Dunbar in the autumn of 1903; he and his mother lived there until his death in 1906. Matilda Dunbar continued to live in the home and preserved her son's works until her death in 1934. In 1937, the State of Ohio purchased the property and turned it over to The Ohio Historical Society.... (Submitted on December 15, 2012.)

1925 Paul Laurence Dunbar Street Bridge Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 14, 2009

3. 1925 Paul Laurence Dunbar Street Bridge Marker

Bridge rebuilt 2008.

Paul Laurence Dunbar Street Bridge Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 14, 2009

4. Paul Laurence Dunbar Street Bridge Markers

Over Wolf Creek, about 700 feet north of the home.

Paul Laurence Dunbar Street Bridge and Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 14, 2009

5. Paul Laurence Dunbar Street Bridge and Markers

Looking north along PLD Street across Wolf Creek.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,567 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on December 15, 2012. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 1, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.