Sunday, March 21, 2010
Eighth Regiment Armory
Eighth Regiment Armory..
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..
The Eighth Regiment Armory is a remarkable piece of history, representing the courage and resilience of African-American soldiers.
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