A Vibrant, But Segregated Community

City of Fredericksburg, Virginia

Photographed by Tom Fuchs, November 11, 2006

1. A Vibrant, But Segregated Community Marker

Inscription. 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.

Erected by City of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans

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• 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 This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It was also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 5 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Freedom Riders Challenge a Nation (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named 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.

Other markers no longer nearby. Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site) (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Mt. Zion Baptist Church (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has

Photographed by Kevin W., August 20, 2010

2. A Vibrant, But Segregated Community Marker

been replaced by the linked 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 2,173 times since then and 16 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.