Industrial Bank of Washington Historical Marker (2024)

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U Street Corridor inNorthwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — TheAmericanNortheast (Mid-Atlantic)

2000 11th Street, NW

— African American Heritage Trail, Washington DC —

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, April 15, 2011

1. Industrial Bank of Washington Marker

Inscription. Industrial Bank stands as a testament to the Black business movement that began in the 1880s in downtown Washington and spread to the U Street area by the 1900s. Industrial Bank was the only Black-owned financial institution in the city when laborer-turned entrepreneur John Whitelaw Lewis founded it in 1913. A few years later the bank moved from its first address, 2006 11th Street, to this building, which Lewis financed and architect Isaiah T. Hatton designed. Although forced to close briefly during the financial crisis that caused the Great Depression, Industrial Bank of Washington was reopened in 1934 by attorney Jesse Mitchell.

Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the African American Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 38°55.027′N, 77°1.654′W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in U Street Corridor. Marker is on U Street Northwest west of 11th Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2000 11th Street Northwest, Washington DC 20009, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. "We had everything we needed right here." (within shouting distance of this marker); New Negro Alliance's Sanitary Grocery Protest Site (within shouting distance of this marker); The True Reformer Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Ben's Chili Bowl / Minnehaha Theater (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lincoln Theatre and Lincoln Colonnade (about 400 feet away); Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia (about 400 feet away); African American Civil War Memorial (about 400 feet away); Marlon Francisco Morales (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

More about this marker.
[Photo caption:]
Industrial Bank of Washington, 1934
Scurlock Studio Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, April 15, 2011

2. Industrial Bank of Washington Building

- marker is visible, low on the brick facade, behind the parked car and the decorated lamp pole at the left end of the Bank building.

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, April 15, 2011

3. Industrial Bank of Washington, branch at 11th and U Streets, NW

- note photos commemorating notable events in the history of the bank and the Mitchell family, displayed in windows along U Street.