Historical Marker

Polk's Infirmary / Mammoth Insurance Co.

Historical marker location:

Lexington, Kentucky

( 149 Deweese St., Lexington)

Dr. John Polk, an African American physician in Lexington, practiced medicine at 166 Deweese St. before moving to 148 Deweese by 1921. Succeeding him in this building was Dr. J. R. Dalton. The infirmary served African Americans in area. In 1999, this former health center became the home of Lexington-Fayette County Urban League.

(Reverse) Founded 1915 in Louisville, Mammoth Life and Accident Ins. Co. opened district office at 149 Deweese. It offered employment opportunities and fair rates to African American community. At its peak, Mammoth had 750 employees and sold policies in eight states. In 1992 Mammoth merged with Atlanta Life and the Kentucky offices closed.