Program

Indiana Historical Bureau

Subject

Industry & Commerce, People

Location

2160 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA

Lat/Long

39.796334, -86.1593996

Grant Recipient

Indiana Historical Bureau

Historic Marker

Andrew “Bo” Foster

Inscription

Andrew "Bo" Foster

Side One: Andrew Foster was born in Indianapolis. He established a lucrative trucking company in the 1940s, enabling him to open and manage several businesses that served Black patrons in the segregated city into the 1980s. These included the Foster Hotel and Foster Motor Lodge, which accommodated tourists and famed guests, such as Muhammad Ali.

Side Two: Andrew Foster, 1919-1987 By 1970, Foster opened Pearl’s Lounge, which served as a venue for political fundraisers, community gatherings, and NAACP events. As a National Business League and Midwest National Bank leader, Foster mentored Black business owners and helped them obtain grants. In 1982, Governor Orr awarded him the Sagamore of the Wabash in recognition of his civic contributions.

Installed 2023 – Indiana Historical Bureau, Andrew Foster Legacy, Inc., and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation