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Ida B. Wells-Barnett House: A Landmark of Civil Rights

Visit the historic home of civil rights icon Ida B. Wells in Chicago's Bronzeville, a powerful reminder of the fight for racial justice.

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The Ida B. Wells-Barnett House, located in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, was the home of pioneering civil rights activist Ida B. Wells and her husband, Ferdinand Lee Barnett, from 1919 to 1930. Though not open to the public, this three-story residence stands as a powerful reminder of Wells' tireless fight against lynching, segregation, and racial injustice.

A brief summary to Ida B. Wells-Barnett House

  • 3624 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, Douglas, Illinois, 60616, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to best appreciate the architecture and surrounding neighborhood.
  • Read about Ida B. Wells' life and work before your visit to fully understand the significance of the house.
  • Check out the informative stand near the house for historical insights into Wells' life and contributions.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Ida B. Wells-Barnett House is accessible via Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus routes. Several bus lines stop near the intersection of 35th Street and Martin Luther King Drive, a short walk from the house. Check the CTA website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. Bus fares are $2.25 per ride. You can pay with cash on the bus (exact change required) or use a Ventra card.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Bronzeville neighborhood or near the Illinois Institute of Technology, walking to the Ida B. Wells-Barnett House is a viable option. The house is located on the west side of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, midway between 35th and 37th streets. From the intersection of 35th and King Drive, walk north for two blocks to reach the house at 3624 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The walk is generally flat and safe, but be mindful of traffic.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Chicago. A short ride from downtown or other nearby neighborhoods to the Ida B. Wells-Barnett House will typically cost between $10 and $20, depending on traffic and demand. Be sure to confirm the fare estimate with the driver or in the app before starting your trip. Ask the driver to drop you off at 3624 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

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Discover more about Ida B. Wells-Barnett House

The Ida B. Wells-Barnett House, situated at 3624 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Chicago, Illinois, is a National Historic Landmark that commemorates the life and work of Ida B. Wells, a prominent African American journalist, suffragist, and civil rights leader. Wells, born into slavery in Mississippi in 1862, dedicated her life to fighting for racial and gender equality, becoming a vocal critic of lynching and a champion of African American rights. The house itself, built around 1889-1890 in the Romanesque Revival style, is a three-story structure crafted from ashlar granite. Designed by architect Joseph Thain, the building features a distinctive facade with a large right bay, a smaller left bay, and a turreted bay projecting from the second and third levels. While the interior has been subdivided into apartments and is not accessible to the public, the exterior remains a significant architectural and historical landmark. From 1919 to 1929, this house served as the residence of Ida B. Wells, her husband Ferdinand Lee Barnett, and their four children. During this time, the house was a hub of social and political activity, reflecting the family's prominent role in Chicago's Black social elite. Wells continued her writing and activism, addressing issues of racial injustice and advocating for civil rights. She was a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and remained a tireless advocate for equality until her death in 1931. The Ida B. Wells-Barnett House stands as a testament to Wells' enduring legacy and her profound impact on the civil rights movement. Although visitors cannot enter the house, an information stand nearby provides insights into her life and contributions. The surrounding Bronzeville neighborhood offers a glimpse into the community that shaped Wells' activism and continues to honor her memory.

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