The namesake of Washington Boulevard was known as the “father” of our nation, but soon, the street along the Scioto Mile will bear the name of a native son.
Columbus City Council voted unanimously on March 2 to rename Washington Boulevard between Broad and Belle streets to Granville T. Woods Boulevard in memory of the prolific Columbus-born inventor.
Woods was a pioneer in transportation, communication and electrical engineering in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His advancements in electric streetcars, braking systems and power distribution helped lay the foundation for modern public transit.
Woods’ most notable invention, the synchronous multiplex railway telegraph, transformed railway safety by allowing trains in motion to communicate with stations and other trains.
The petition to rename the street was initiated by Ohio Black Expo, a Columbus nonprofit that works to empower Black residents and improve quality of life through health, education, business, and youth initiatives.
Ohio Black Expo will host an official dedication ceremony at 11 a.m. April 23 in Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St., near the Rich Street bridge. The day also will mark the 175th anniversary of Woods’ birth.
In addition to the street renaming, the Rickenbacker Woods Foundation, a nonprofit organization at 1330 E. Livingston Ave., is planning a trolley-based park and exhibit honoring Woods.
The inventor is also memorialized by a historical marker in Washington Court House, while New York has a street designation, memorial trolley pole, exhibit, hall of fame plaque, and playground named after Woods.
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Part of Washington Boulevard to be renamed for Granville T. Woods
Reporting by Belinda M. Paschal, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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