William Monroe Trotter House facts for kids
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William Monroe Trotter House
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William Monroe Trotter House in 2012
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 97 Sawyer Ave., Dorchester, Massachusetts |
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| Built | c. 1890s |
| NRHP reference No. | 76002003 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 11, 1976 |
| Designated NHL | May 11, 1976 |
The William Monroe Trotter House is a special old house at 97 Sawyer Avenue. It sits on Jones Hill in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. This house was once the home of a very important African-American journalist and civil rights leader named William Monroe Trotter (1872–1934). He and his wife, Geraldine Louise Pindell, moved into this two-story wooden house in June 1899. The house was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1976. This was because of Trotter's important work. His activism helped lead to the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
About the Trotter House
The Trotter House is a two-and-a-half story wooden building. It sits on a strong stone foundation. It is located high up on Jones Hill. From here, Trotter once wrote that he could see "all over the country" from his sitting room. He could also see "all the bay" from his bedroom window.
A porch stretches across the front of the house. Stairs on the left side lead up to the front door. The front of the house has two main sections. The front door is on the left, and windows are on the right. Smaller windows are in the pointy part of the roof above.
The right side of the house has a bay window that sticks out. The left side of the house is simpler. It extends further back because of a two-story addition at the rear. A square window with colored glass brightens the staircase inside.
The house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places that same year. This was to honor William Monroe Trotter. In 1977, the outside of the house and its yard were named a Boston Landmark. The house is not open for people to visit.
Who Was William Monroe Trotter?
William Monroe Trotter was born in Ohio. His father, James Monroe Trotter, fought in the American Civil War. He was also an activist who worked for African American involvement in public life. William Monroe Trotter was a top student in high school. He then went to Harvard University. He graduated with honors in 1895. He was the first African American to be chosen for Phi Beta Kappa, an honor society.
In 1901, he helped start the "Boston Literary and Historical Association." This was a place for strong thinkers like W. E. B. Du Bois to discuss important political ideas. In the same year, Trotter started the Boston Guardian. This was a weekly newspaper. In it, he often criticized educator Booker T. Washington. Washington believed in a slower approach to civil rights.
Trotter also helped start the Niagara Movement in 1905 with Du Bois. This group was an early step toward forming the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Trotter was a very determined voice in the fight for civil rights. He always pushed for full equality. However, he was sometimes difficult to work with. Because of this, he did not play a role in the NAACP after it was founded.
Trotter bought the house at 97 Sawyer Avenue in 1899. He moved in with his wife, Geraldine. His strong dedication to civil rights cost him a lot of money. He eventually lost his investment properties and even his home. In 1913, he had a well-known meeting with President Woodrow Wilson. Their heated discussion made news. After this, Trotter became less involved in the main civil rights movement. He passed away in 1934.
Gallery
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William Monroe Trotter House in 1980
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