Martin R. Delany - Pittsburgh, PA
Posted by: 
Metro2
N 40° 26.363 W 080° 00.199
17T E 584529 N 4477003
This historical marker commemorates Martin R. Delaney- the first African-American Major in the US Army- and a key part of Pennsylvania's Underground Railroad. He operated his newspaper near this site at 5 PPG Plaza in Pittsburgh.
Waymark Code: WM8X4W
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 05/24/2010
Views: 7
According to the Explore Pennsylvania History website (
visit link)
"Delany was active in Pittsburgh's Underground Railroad. He worked closely with other prominent members of Pittsburgh's abolitionist movement, including Reverend Lewis Woodson, a barber, educator and minister; John B. Vashon, described as the richest black man in Pittsburgh; and entrepreneur John Peck, an advocate of equal rights."
Presumably, his newspaper, played a role in his prominence and ability to be involved with the UGRR. This historical marker indicates that his newspaper office was near this area- the building no longer exists. Two of the photos with this waymark show the buildings and plaza that now occupy the space.
The Marker indicates:
"MARTIN R. DELANY
(1812-1885)
--
A promoter of African-
American nationalism,
Delany published a Black
newspaper, The Mystery,
at an office near here.
He attended Harvard
Medical School, practiced
medicine in Pittsburgh, and
was commissioned as a
Major in the Civil War.
PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION 1991"
The marker fails to note that the white students at Harvard forced his dismissal. He was also a writer and novelist.
Delany also visited Africa and Europe before the Civil War, exploring a place to colonize- but he came back determined to fight for the emancipation of slaves.