Remarkable Ohio

Counties

Below is a complete listing of all Ohio Historical Markers. To find a detailed marker listing including text, photographs, and locations, click on a county below. Our listing is updated by the markers program as new markers are installed and older markers are reported damaged or missing.

8-85 Charles W. Follis

Side A: Charles W. Follis was born on February 3, 1879, in Virginia. His family moved to Wooster where he attended Wooster High School and helped establish the school’s football team. In 1901, Follis enrolled and played baseball at the College of Wooster and played football for the Wooster Athletic Association where he earned the nickname “The Black Cyclone from Wooster.” In 1904, Follis signed a contract to play football with Shelby Athletic Club, making him the first African-American professional football player. Follis faced discrimination on and off the field leading to many injuries. After a career-ending injury in 1906, Follis played baseball for the Cuban Giants of Long Island. He died of pneumonia in 1910 at the age of 31 and is buried in Wooster Cemetery.
Side B: Same
Sponsors: William G. Pomeroy Foundation; Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Ohio History Connection
Address: Wooster High School, 515 Oldman Road, 
Wooster, 
OH, 
44691
Location: Between main gates and pavilion at Follis Field
Latitude: 40.8372690
Longitude: -81.9492610