Port Tampa City in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Mount Zion AME Church
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 11, 2026
1. Mount Zion AME Church Marker
Port Tampa's Mount Zion AME Church was founded in 1889 by members of the new city's Black community, many of whom were likely new to the area and worked for Henry Plant's shipping businesses. Port Tampa owed its existence to Plant, who the year before had extended his rail line across the Hillsborough River and down the Interbay Peninsula. As Port Tampa City grew, so did its African American population, which was mostly segregated within the southern section of the city. Mount Zion was likely founded in the home of an early parishioner and there is some evidence that a church building existed as early as 1896. The current church building was constructed in 1907, near the corner of Trask (now Idaho) and Kissimmee Streets. The church and its congregation have endured years of change and continue to add to the rich history and culture of the Port Tampa community.
Erected 2026 by City of Tampa, Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 27° 51.575′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Tampa Bay. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. 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 markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Frederick Douglass School (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Liberty Tree Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Tampa as Port of
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 11, 2026
2. Mount Zion AME Church Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. The Rough Riders Embark the S.S. Yucatan (was approx. 1.1 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Picnic Island (was approx. 1.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 11, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
