Martinsville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Fayette Street
Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 9, 2017
1. Fayette Street Marker
Since the late 19th century, Fayette Street has been a gateway to the business, social, and Cultural life of African Americans here. Institutions such as Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church (founded in 1870), St. Marys Hospital (1926-1952), Piedmont Christian Institute (1900-1934), and Imperial Savings and Loan (founded in 1929) were pillars of this community. A part of the street Known as Baldwins Block (1920s-1960s) represented the entrepreneurial spirit of the people. Dr. Dana O. Baldwin and his brothers founded the June German Ball, which was held at a number of venues here. This annual musical and dance festival hosted world-renowned African American musicians that played to regional audiences.
Erected 2005 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number A-107.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.
Location. 36° 41.592′ N, 79° 52.584′ W. Marker is in Martinsville, Virginia
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Near War's End (approx. 0.2 miles away); Brigadier General Joseph Martin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Henry County War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Martinsville (approx. 0.2 miles away); Martinsville Seven (approx. Ό mile away); Henry County U.D.C. Monument (approx. Ό mile away); Martinsville's Early Textile Mills (approx. Ό mile away); Oakwood Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Martinsville.
Also see . . .
1. Fayette Street Historic District. Wikipedia entry:
Fayette Street Historic District is a national historic district located at Martinsville, Virginia. It encompasses 116 contributing buildings, in a traditionally African-American section of Martinsville. It includes a variety of commercial, religious, educational and residential buildings dating from the late-19th century through the mid- 20th century. Notable buildings include the Dennis Hairston House (c. 1910), community Market (1925), Mt. Carmel Church, Grace United Presbyterian Church (c. 1918), Albert Harris Intermediate School, Alex Hairston House (c. 1923), Baldwin Block, Watkins-Hairston Funeral Home (1931),
Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 9, 2017
2. Fayette Street Marker
2. Fayette Street Historic District. Virginia Department of Historic Resources website entry (Submitted on March 22, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 957 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of Mt. Zion AME Church • Photo of Balwins Block • Photo of the June German Ball mural • Photos of other institutions mentioned on the marker • Can you help?
