Downtown in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Walker House

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 19, 2019

1. Walker House Marker

Inscription. Madam C.J. Walker (1867-1919) was one of America's first female African-American millionaires. She was born on a cotton plantation in Louisiana to former slaves and was orphaned by the age of seven. In the 1890's she began to lose her hair and experimented with home preparations to relieve her scalp problems. She sold her own home-manufactured hair care products as Madam Walker's Wonderful Hair Grower. In 1910, the company moved to Indianapolis because of the convenient rail access and a well-established African-American community. Walker was a Bethel A.M.E. member and built a factory, salon, training school and theater on Indiana Avenue across from what is now, IUPUI.

Erected by Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.

Location. 39° 46.391′ N, 86° 11.105′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Downtown. Marker is on Porto Alegre Street east of Vermont Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at

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or near this postal address: 353 Porto Alegre Street, Indianapolis IN 46202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fox House (within shouting distance of this marker); Clarke House (within shouting distance of this marker); Hine Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Orvis House (about 300 feet away); Morton-Finney House (about 300 feet away); McCormick House (about 300 feet away); Sewall House (about 400 feet away); International House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.

Also see . . . Madam C.J. Walker - Self Made Millionaire. 6:50 minute YouTube video.

(Submitted on May 12, 2020.)

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 19, 2019

2. Walker House Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 342 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.