Palestine in Anderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of McKnight Plaza
Between 1910 and 1945, McKnight Plaza housed numerous businesses and offices owned by African American merchants, doctors and dentists. The Farmers and Citizens Bank, which would close in the late 1920s, was on a prominent corner of the ground floor. George Macon Shuffer owned a dry goods store. Dr. H.V. Hurd, a dentist, and Dr. J.H. Dodd owned a drugstore and soda fountain; Dodd's wife operated a millinery shop. Other businesses included J.B. Blake's cab company, John Tatum's Café, H.G. Neely's accounting and insurance office, the funeral home of Al Davis and I.V. Bland, John Hunter's barbershop, and Noah Williams' cleaning and pressing shop. Doctors W.R. Roberts, R.E. Holland and H.D. Patton, as well as dentists Williamson McClellan and H.D. Mitchell, had offices and tended patients at this site. The Missouri Pacific Colored Booster Club, a private social organization located here, sponsored local events and dances.
For 35 years, McKnight Plaza served as a commercial center for Palestine's African American community, representing local entrepreneurship and enterprise. Commonly referred to as "On the Square," the plaza was once a bustling shopping and office center. Following the building's demolition in 1945, the plaza's former site became a grocery store and later a bank. Today, it remains a significant part of Palestine's social and economic history.
Erected 2004 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12954.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 31° 45.726′ N, 95° 37.837′ W. Marker is in Palestine, Texas, in Anderson County. Marker is at the intersection of Avenue A and East Main Street, on the left when traveling west on Avenue A. The marker is located along the street at the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Avenue A, Palestine TX 75801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Kolstad Jewelers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church (about 500 feet away); Don Hastings (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Town (approx. 0.2 miles away); Palestine Fire Department (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sacred Heart Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Palestine Salt Works C.S.A. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Anderson County Courthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palestine.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 62 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 16, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.