Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 21, 2010

1. Mt. Zion Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. Toward the end of the nineteenth century, Virginia and other southern states began to legislate social segregation, along racial lines. Additional laws that imposed poll taxes and literacy tests established hurdles to voting along economic lines. Between 1900 and 1902, black voter registration in Fredericksburg dropped from 353 to 65. White voter registration dropped from 998 to 681. The era of Jim Crow had arrived.

As segregation became increasingly systematic, Mount Zion Baptist Church maintained the tradition of church leadership in the African American community. It joined both the Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) and (New Site) sanctuaries in providing a place for political meetings. In time, these institutions would participate in the broader Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s, their moral position attracting the critical support of many white citizens.

Erected by City of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Civil Rights. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 17.964′ N, 77° 27.502′

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W. Marker was in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker was at the intersection of Wolfe Street and Princess Anne Street (U.S. 17), on the right when traveling north on Wolfe Street. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Mount Zion Baptist Church (here, next to this marker); A Vibrant but Segregated Community (here, next to this marker); Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site) (here, next to this marker); Freedom Riders Challenge a Nation (here, next to this marker); First Stop on 1961 Freedom Rides (within shouting distance of this marker); The Green Book (within shouting distance of this marker); 1787 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1854 / 1925 (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

More about this marker. On the left is a photo with the caption, "In 1881, the Reverend Willis M. Robinson became the minister of Shiloh Baptist Church. He led the congregation that formed the Shiloh Baptist Church (New site) in 1889, and then helped to establish the Mount Zion Baptist Church in 1904."

On the bottom right is a photo with the caption, "The Mount Zion Baptist Church was first constructed as a wood frame structure. It was replaced with the current brick sanctuary after a fire in 1925."

Related marker.

Wolfe St & Princess Anne St image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 21, 2010

2. Wolfe St & Princess Anne St

Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location titled "Mount Zion Baptist Church".

Mt. Zion Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dan Fisher, July 21, 2010

3. Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Photographed By Kevin W., August 20, 2010

4. Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,270 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 22, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on February 13, 2016, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.