Winston-Salem in Forsyth County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Safe Bus Company

Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, January 25, 2012

1. Safe Bus Company Marker

Inscription. The Safe Bus Company was chartered in 1926, when several small "jitney" services merged their operations to better serve Winston-Salem's African-American citizens. With the motto "safety and service," Safe Bus Company eventually employed more than 80 drivers and carried 8,000 passengers a day, earning the distinction of being the largest African-American -owned and -operated transportation business in the world. In 1972, Safe Bus Company was purchased by the Winston-Salem Transit Authority. Founders of the Safe Bus Company: John M. Adams, Elliot A. Davis, George I. Dillahunt, Jefferson H. Hairston, Elijah T. Miller, Joseph Miller, Harvey F. Morgan, Ralph R. Morgan, Charlie R. Peebles, George Ragsdale, Clarence T. Woodland

Erected 2011 by Winston-Salem Historic Marker Program.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.

Location. 36° 5.99′ N, 80° 14.74′ W. Marker is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in Forsyth County. It is on W. 5th St., on the left when traveling west. Between N.Liberty and Trade Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Winston Salem NC 27101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont

and specifically in Piedmont Triad.

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

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of this marker: Downtown North Historic District (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); O'Hanlon's Office Building (about 500 feet away); First Sit-In Victory In North Carolina (about 600 feet away); P.H. Hanes Knitting Company (about 800 feet away); The Forsyth County Men (approx. 0.2 miles away); Nissen Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Winston-Salem Rotary Club (approx. 0.2 miles away); Flonnie T. Anderson (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winston-Salem.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Our Confederate Dead (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, January 25, 2012

2. Safe Bus Company Marker

Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, January 25, 2012

3. Safe Bus Company Marker

Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, January 25, 2012

4. Safe Bus Company Marker

Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, January 25, 2012

5. Safe Bus Company Marker

Modern bus station at same site

Credits. This page was last revised on March 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,645 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 25, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.