Uptown District in Greenville in Pitt County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Town Common & Urban Renewal
African-American Cultural Trail
| | Greenville - Pitt County | |
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, November 10, 2021
1. Town Common & Urban Renewal Marker
The Downtown neighborhood was a close-knit African American community that included homes, businesses, and the Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Descendants describe the area as thriving and vibrant with a high quality of life.
The Housing Act as amended in 1949 created new national goals for decent living environments, funded "slum clearance"; and urban renewal projects, and national public housing programs. This led to the creation of the Redevelopment Commission of the City of Greenville (December 1958) by the City Council. The commission's first task was the Shore Drive Redevelopment Project N. C. R-15 (February 1960). The Shore Drive Redevelopment Project was to revitalize Greenville's downtown area.
Erected by Greenville-Pitt County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1958.
Location. 35° 36.928′ N, 77° 22.333′ W. Marker is in Greenville, North Carolina, in Pitt County. It is in the Uptown District. It is at the intersection of West First Street and Evans Street, on the right when traveling west on West First Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 W 1st St, Greenville NC 27858, United States of America. Touch for directions.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. 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: Pitt County Supreme Sacrifice and Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Black Health Professionals (about 400 feet away); United in Faith (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church (about 400 feet away); Neighborhood Unity and Community Pride (about 400 feet away); Sycamore Hill Gateway Plaza (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenville.
More about this marker. Marker was moved 500 ft east from its original location at Sycamore Hill Gateway Plaza.
Also see . . . African American Cultural Trail. Greenville-Pitt County (Submitted on November 13, 2021.)
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, November 10, 2021
2. Sycamore Hill Gateway Plaza
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 17, 2024
3. Town Common & Urban Renewal Marker
Current placement next to bus shelter
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 17, 2024
4. Rear view of Town Common & Urban Renewal Marker
facing across West 1st Street towards Evans Street
Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2021, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 799 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on July 18, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 12, 2021, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on July 18, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
