Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

First Stop on 1961 Freedom Rides

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 17, 2022

1. First Stop on 1961 Freedom Rides Marker

Inscription. The Congress of Racial Equality, led by James Farmer, organized the Freedom Rides in 1961 to challenge racial segregation in interstate bus travel, which had persisted despite U.S. Supreme Court decisions barring segregation in seating (1946) and in terminal facilities (1960). After departing from Washington, D.C., on the morning of 4 May, the Freedom Riders first stopped here at the Greyhound Bus Terminal, where they integrated the restrooms and lunch counter without incident. As the riders traveled toward New Orleans, they encountered brutal resistance and arrest. Hundreds joined the campaign, prompting the Interstate Commerce Commission to issue new regulations enforcing desegregation.

Erected 2021 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number E-155.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1961.

Location. 38° 17.977′ N, 77° 27.494′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It is on Princess Anne Street (Business U.S. 17) just north

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of Wolfe Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern 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: The Green Book (a few steps from this marker); Freedom Riders Challenge a Nation (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site) (a few steps from this marker); A Vibrant but Segregated Community (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Zion Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); 1787 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1854 / 1925 (about 400 feet away); c. 1816 (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site) (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); A Vibrant, But Segregated Community (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Mt. Zion Baptist Church (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 17, 2022

2. First Stop on 1961 Freedom Rides Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,067 times since then and 95 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.