Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Vibrant, But Segregated Community
City of Fredericksburg, Virginia
Photographed By Tom Fuchs, November 11, 2006
1. A Vibrant, But Segregated Community Marker
In the aftermath of the Civil War, numerous former slaves came to Fredericksburg where there was already an established free black community. Many freedmen took work as laborers and servants. Others brought artisan skills they had practiced in slavery. The area in front of you and to your right became one of several African-American neighborhoods in Fredericksburg.
The local economy, however, had been devastated by the war and did not provide many opportunities for skilled workers. Available jobs were primarily in mills and factories. Educational opportunities were limited to a segregated school. Still, many African-American small businesses flourished.
These blocks were Fredericksburg’s black center of commerce until the 1970s. Restaurants and boarding houses initially appeared among the residences, catering to the local community as well as to travelers. There were also professional offices, retail stores, barber and beauty shops, a grocery store, a funeral homes and two hotels.
(Sidebar) Constructed in 1884, the Fredericksburg Colored School was located to your left, where the fire station now stands.
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Erected by City of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 17.969′ N, 77° 27.501′ W. Marker was in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker was at the intersection of Wolfe Street and Princess Anne Street (Virginia Route 2), on the right when traveling south 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 5 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Freedom Riders Challenge a Nation (here, next to this marker); Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site) (here, next to this marker); A Vibrant but Segregated Community (here, next to this marker); Mount Zion Baptist Church (here, next to this marker); First Stop on 1961 Freedom Rides (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.
Photographed By Kevin W., August 20, 2010
2. A Vibrant, But Segregated Community Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,939 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 3, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 2. submitted on February 13, 2016, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
