Florence in Florence County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

William H. Johnson Birthplace

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, July 3, 2009

1. William H. Johnson Birthplace Marker

Inscription. Marker Front:
William Henry Johnson (1901-1970), one of the most important African-American artists of the 20th century, was born nearby on Cox Street. His family later lived on the corner of Cheves and Kemp Streets. In 1918, at the age of 17, Johnson moved to New York City. Johnson studied at the National Academy of Design and the Cape Cod School of Art, won several prizes, and studied art in Europe 1926-29.

Marker Reverse:
Johnson, back in America in 1929-31, had paintings in several exhibitions and a one-day show at the Florence Y.M.C.A. Visits to Florence inspired paintings of local people and places. In 1931 he married Danish artist Holcha Krake, living in Europe before returning to New York in 1938. After Johnson's wife died in 1944 his health declined; he was institutionalized in New York in 1947 and died there in 1970.

Erected 2006 by The Florence City County Council. (Marker Number 21 21.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.

Location. 34° 11.673′ N, 79° 45.183′ W. Marker is in Florence, South Carolina, in Florence County. Marker is on Eest Palmetto Street (U.S. 76) just west of Kemp Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence SC 29501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dahlgren, IX-inch (approx. 0.7 miles away); Brooke Rifled Cannon, VI.4-inch (approx. 0.7 miles away); Brooke Rifled Cannon, VII-inch (approx. 0.7 miles away); All Gave Some – Some Gave All (approx. 0.7 miles away); Guns of the CSS Peedee (approx. 0.7 miles away); Carillon (approx. 0.7 miles away); Florence National Cemetery (approx. 0.7 miles away); Civil War Union Burials (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Also see . . . Wikipedia entry for William Johnson, Artist. (Submitted on November 14, 2010, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona.)

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, July 3, 2009

2. William H. Johnson Birthplace Marker

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, July 3, 2009

3. William H. Johnson Birthplace Marker

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, July 3, 2009

4. William H. Johnson Birthplace Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,989 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 3, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.