King-Lincoln Bronzeville in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Mount Vernon Avenue

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2009

1. Mount Vernon Avenue Marker

Inscription. The commercial area of Mount Vernon Avenue originated in the early 1900s as a safe haven for African-American people segregated from the primarily white community of the time. Not permitted to enter many businesses in downtown Columbus during the 1940s, a distinct economy was created, building on establishments already developed in the area. The construction of Interstate 71 through Columbus and the social upheaval and riots of 1967 injured the community to the point where many moved away. Today, Mount Vernon Avenue survives and is being targeted for economic and historic revitalization.

Erected 2007 by 2006-2007 Monroe 8th Grade Gifted and Talented Class, The Ingram-White Castle Foundation, The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 102-25.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1967.

Location. 39° 58.318′ N, 82° 58.411′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in King-Lincoln Bronzeville. Marker is at the intersection of Mount Vernon Avenue

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and 20th Street, on the right when traveling east on Mount Vernon Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus OH 43203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Second Baptist Church / James P. Poindexter (approx. 0.3 miles away); St. Clair Hospital (approx. 0.4 miles away); Formerly Maryland Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Shiloh Baptist Church (approx. half a mile away); The Lincoln Theatre (approx. half a mile away); Martin Luther King Jr. Library / Architect Leon Ransom Jr. (1921 - 1971) (approx. 0.7 miles away); King Lincoln District Arch (approx. 0.7 miles away); St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2009

2. Mount Vernon Avenue Marker

Looking north across Mount Vernon Avenue.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,047 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 30, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.