WORCESTER, Mass. - Major Taylor is considered by many to be the first Black international star and the greatest American professional cyclist. The Major Taylor Museum in Worcester works to preserve his story and make his impact more widely known.

What You Need To Know

  • Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor was a professional cyclist who many consider to be the greatest American sprinter of all time and lived much of his life in Worcester

  • Major Taylor gained international fame in the 1890s through cycling, becoming the first Black international star 

  • Cycling groups across America and abroad are inspired by Major Taylor and named in his honor. The groups help support the Major Taylor Association financially and assist in their mission of memorializing Major Taylor

  • A new "Major Taylor: Champion of the Race" documentary by Indiana-based WTIU Public Television premieres Monday

Born Marshall Walter Taylor, "Major" Taylor grew up outside of Indianapolis before moving to Worcester in 1895 as a teenager. The museum says Taylor came to Worcester partly to escape racism in the Midwest and to pursue a professional career in cycling.

After turning professional in 1896, Taylor won the one-mile sprint event at the international cycling championship in 1899. Throughout his career, Taylor set world records and raced against the best riders in the world, all while going against what he called, "the dreadful monster" of prejudice.

“We really do consider him a trailblazer," said museum manager Sharon Freed. "Somehow, he found the strength inside of him to keep on going. He, at multiple races, he faced not just discrimination, but outright racism, physical attacks, and yet he found the strength within himself.

"I think he was a strong believer, and his faith really carried him through. And he really believed that what he was doing was worthwhile. And he knew, I think somewhere he knew, going out there and being the face of cycling was really going to make a difference.”

Freed said Major Taylor's impact is felt to this day through hundreds of cycling clubs across the country named in his honor who work to promote access to cycling and get all kinds of people on a bicycle, whether it's racing for fun or for pleasure.

The Major Taylor Museum is free and open to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.