Address: 3533 S. Giles Ave. Year Built:
1914
- 1915
Architect:
James B. Dibelka
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark:
September 9, 1998
This was the first armory in the United States built for an African-American military regiment. The "Fighting 8th" traces its roots to the formation of the volunteer Hannibal Guard militia in 1871. It later became a division of the Illinois National Guard and during World War I was incorporated into the 370th U.S. Infantry (also see Victory Monument). After the armory closed in the early-1960s, it became the South Central Gymnasium. In 1999, following an extensive renovation, it was reopened as a public high school. It is one of nine structures in the Black Metropolis-Bronzeville Historic District.
Prev 
