Murder of Black suffrage leader Octavius Catto reveals why Election Day 1871 was one of the most violent in Philadelphia history

Philadelphia has given the intersection of 8th and South streets a new name: Octavius Catto Way.

By: Timothy Welbeck, Temple University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 13, 2026

Words: 1,336

Last Updated: 4 days, 22 hours ago

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By Timothy Welbeck, Temple University

Octavius Valentine Catto died as he lived, advocating for a more equitable society. Accordingly, the city of Philadelphia has decided to honor his legacy – again.

Philadelphia previously honored Catto with a commemorative statue outside City Hall in 2017. Of the city’s 1,500 public statues, it was the first to honor an individual Black person.

On Oct. 8, 2026, the intersection of 8th and South …

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