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
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
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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. Marker 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
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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other 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); First Baptist Church of St. Augustine (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.
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
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 1,404 times since then and 81 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.
