Lincolnville in St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

76 Washington Street

ACCORD Freedom Trail

Photographed by Mrs. Shirley Williams-Galvin, February 13, 2009

1. 76 Washington Street Marker

Inscription. The St. Augustine office of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was located in this building from the 1970's until the early 1990's. The organization's roots in the Ancient City began much earlier. William English Walling (1877-1936), one of the organizers and the first chairman of the NAACP, was a frequent guest at the nearby Alcazar Hotel--now St. Augustine City Hall. A local NAACP Chapter was first organized here in 1915.

Notable NAACP member, James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) was born in Jacksonville and became familiar with St. Augustine at an early age. A modern renaissance man he was a poet, novelist, educator, diplomat, attorney, journalist, and songwriter--most notably of "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing"--before serving from 1916-1931 as a top official. One thing he did in that position was to arrange a meeting in St. Augustine between civil rights supporters and U.S. President-elect Warren G. Harding in 1921.

In addition, Langston Hughes (1902-1967), the celebrated author whose books included Fight for Freedom: The Story of the NAACP, spoke in St. Augustine in 1954.

In the early 1960's, the NAACP, led by President Fannie Fulwood, protested plans to celebrate St. Augustine's 400th birthday on an all-white basis. The NAACP Youth Group organized many demonstrations to

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protest segregated lunch counters and other facilities. They were pioneers in the efforts that led to the passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. The NAACP dates its birth to February 12, 1909, chosen because it was the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. This marker is dedicated to honor the 100th birthday of the nation's oldest civil rights organization.

This Historical Marker Presented this 13th day of February, 2009 by Beth E. Levenbach, ACCORD Member, Lansdowne, PA

Erected 2009. (Marker Number 21.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #29 Warren G. Harding series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1934.

Location. 29° 53.301′ N, 81° 18.81′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. It is in Lincolnville. It is on Washington Street when traveling south. This marker is situated South of Historic St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church where numerous civil rights rallies were held before demonstrators took to the streets in non-violent protests against segregation. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 76 Washington Street, Saint Augustine FL 32084, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in First Coast

and in Greater Jacksonville.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

76 Washington Street Marker unveiling image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mrs. Shirley Williams-Galvin, February 13, 2009

2. 76 Washington Street Marker unveiling

Pictured from left to right unveiling the Freedom Trail Marker at 76 Washington Street are ACCORD Members, Barbara B. Allen, (also current Secretary of the local NAACP), Dalonja Duncan, Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Wright (former President of the NAACP of St. Augustine & Gainesville, FL), Beth E. Levenbach (sponsor of the marker) and Dr. Robert B. Hayling (leader of the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement). ACCORD Member not pictured unveiling the marker is Purcell Conway.

markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Mary's Missionary Baptist (within shouting distance of this marker); 79 Bridge Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 81 Bridge Street (about 400 feet away); 84 Bridge Street (about 400 feet away); Record Building (Cordova Apartments) (about 400 feet away); 56 Park Place (about 500 feet away); Elk's Rest (about 500 feet away); King’s Road Bridge (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.

Another marker is no longer nearby. 64 Washington Street (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . ACCORD Freedom Trail Project. This link provides information about the Freedom Trail Marker Series. (Submitted on July 28, 2009, by Gwendolyn Duncan of St. Augustine, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, April 8, 2017

3. 76 Washington Street Marker

76 Washington Street House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James R. Murray, May 20, 2014

4. 76 Washington Street House

Credits. This page was last revised on January 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2009, by Gwendolyn Duncan of St. Augustine, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,670 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 28, 2009, by Gwendolyn Duncan of St. Augustine, Florida. 3. submitted on April 14, 2017, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. 4. submitted on May 21, 2014, by James R. Murray of Elkton, Florida. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.