Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Seeking Civil Rights
City of Fredericksburg, Virginia
Photographed By Dawn Bowen, June 2, 2007
1. Seeking Civil Rights Marker
On July 2, 1960, minority citizens of Fredericksburg began a protest to effect social and political change through direct action. A larger Civil Rights Movement had begun in earnest following the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down as unconstitutional the concept of “separate but equal.” It rapidly spread through much of the South in the form of bus boycotts, freedom riders, and protest marches.
Fredericksburg’s sit-ins occurred at W.T. Grant’s (directly across the street), at F.W. Woolworth’s (across the street to your left front), and at Peoples Service Drug Store (to your right). By late August, the affected businesses relented and integrated their lunch counters.
The local protests were one of many steps taken nation-wide to awaken the conscience of a nation whose creed, espoused in 1776, proclaimed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”
Erected by City of Fredericksburg.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Civil Rights. A significant historical date for this entry is July 2, 1960.
Location.
Photographed By Dawn Bowen, September 4, 2008
2. Seeking Civil Rights Marker on Caroline & William Streets
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A Moment in Time: Circa 1925 (a few steps from this marker); Inalienable Rights (a few steps from this marker); Civil Rights (a few steps from this marker); Constitutional Crisis (a few steps from this marker); Mercantile Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis Randolph Ball (within shouting distance of this marker); Center of Eighteenth Century Urban Life (within shouting distance of this marker); Market Square (within shouting distance of this marker); The Second Town Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Emancipation Proclamation Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.
Additional keywords. Desegregate, desegregation
Photographed By Dawn Bowen, June 4, 2007
3. This is the former W.T. Grant's store, site of one of the sit-ins.
Photographed By Dawn Bowen, June 4, 2007
4. This is the former Woolworth's store, site of one of the lunch counter sit-ins.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 3, 2011
5. Woolworth's Counter, 1960
During the Summer of 1960, local students staged this sit-in at the segregated lunch counter at F.W. Woolworth's. "We did not merely sit in to open counters to us. We helped to change attitudes, which in turn opened new opportunities and doors to us. We gained the courage to test the legality of many injustices... (Gladys Poles Todd)."Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 3, 2011
6. If God is For Us,
Who Can Be Against Us?
Who Can Be Against Us?
Jerine Mercer piketing in front of W.T. Grants.
View is looking south, down Caroline Street.Close-up of photo on marker
View is looking south, down Caroline Street.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 3, 2011
7. My Stomach May Be Empty
But What About Your Heart
But What About Your Heart
Gaye Todd protesting the segregated lunch counter at W.T. Grant's View is looking east, down William Street.Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 12, 2012
8. Woolworth's in the 60s
From an enlarged postcard displayed in R&R Antiques the current occupant of the former Woolworth Building.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,286 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 2, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on September 4, 2008, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on June 4, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 27, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
