Downtown in Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Shab Row
In the years following the Civil War, Shab Row was the center of family life for Frederick's African American population. It was a close-knit community of tinkers, tailors, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, carpenters and cobblers. By the early 1900's, local industries located in close proximity afforded employment opportunities for residents as well.
Adaptive Reuse
The revitalization and adaptive reuse of this blighted residential and industrial area was accomplishment during a period of several years by Bert Anderson, a Frederick downtown developer and businessman. Carefully restored and preserved using salvaged original materials, these structures now house specialty shops, services, and other commercial offerings.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 39° 24.943′ N, 77° 24.303′ W. Marker is in Frederick, Maryland, in Frederick County. It is in Downtown. It is on North East Street 0.1 miles north of East Church Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. 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 one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Everedy Company (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John McElroy, S.J. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Enoch Louis Lowe (approx. 0.2 miles away); Roger Brooke Taney (approx. 0.2 miles away); Loats Female Orphan Asylum of Frederick City (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Memoriam (approx. Ό mile away); Rupp Hospitality House (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
Other markers no longer nearby. The National Road (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing);
Credits. This page was last revised on August 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,215 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
