Lakeland in Polk County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Moorehead Community
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, May 20, 2022
1. The Moorehead Community Marker
Inscription.
The Moorehead Community. . In the early 1880's one of Lakeland's first settlements developed on these 35 acres. Railroad laborers working on the Henry B. Plant railroad lines and other African-Americans moved here to begin construction in 1882 on a railroad line from Tampa eastward through Lakeland to Bartow junction. In 1884, Lakeland's first African-American Church, St. John's Baptist, was founded and the city's first Black school was established, soon thereafter. Rev. H.R. Morehead (?-1916) became pastor of the St. John's Church in 1906. He was an esteemed champion for the rights of his people and it is believed that the Moorehead Community was named in his honor. This neighborhood experienced rapid growth of homes, churches and businesses that included Lakeland's first African-American physician, Dr. David Simpson (1870 - 1955). Thousands of African-Americans lived in Moorehead at one time or another until 1971 when they city of Lakeland acquired this land in order to build The Lakeland Center.
In the early 1880's one of Lakeland's first settlements developed on these 35 acres. Railroad laborers working on the Henry B. Plant railroad lines and other African-Americans moved here to begin construction in 1882 on a railroad line from Tampa eastward through Lakeland to Bartow junction. In 1884, Lakeland's first African-American Church, St. John's Baptist, was founded and the city's first Black school was established, soon thereafter. Rev. H.R. Morehead (?-1916) became pastor of the St. John's Church in 1906. He was an esteemed champion for the rights of his people and it is believed that the Moorehead Community was named in his honor. This neighborhood experienced rapid growth of homes, churches and businesses that included Lakeland's first African-American physician, Dr. David Simpson (1870 - 1955). Thousands of African-Americans lived in Moorehead at one time or another until 1971 when they city of Lakeland acquired this land in order to build The Lakeland Center.
Erected by City of Lakeland.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 28° 2.433′ N, 81° 57.773′ W. Marker is in Lakeland, Florida, in Polk County. Marker
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can be reached from West Lime Street, 0.2 miles east of Lake Beulah Drive. Marker is located in the drop off area at the front entrance to the RP Funding Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland FL 33815, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . Moorehouse Community. (Submitted on May 22, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, May 20, 2022
2. The Moorehead Community Marker at front entrance drop off.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 458 times since then and 164 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 22, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
