Charleston in Kanawha County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
The Block
Photographed By PaulwC3, August 23, 2014
1. The Block Marker
Heart of the black community, area was the center for black business, education, religion, and social life but also had Greek, Italian, Lebanese and Syrian businesses. Many local black leaders had ties to the area, which declined due to 1960s urban renewal and interstate system. Named first local historic district in 2011, the 25-acre area has five National Register sites.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2011.
Location. 38° 21.1′ N, 81° 37.715′ W. Marker is in Charleston, West Virginia, in Kanawha County. Marker is on Shrewsbury Street north of Christopher Street, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located in front of the Simpson Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 607 Shrewsbury Street, Charleston WV 25301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Garnet High School (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mattie V. Lee Home, Inc. (about 500 feet away); World War I Memorial
Photographed By PaulwC3, August 23, 2014
2. Wide view of The Block Marker
this page online
Also see . . .
1. The Block Historic District. West Virginia Center for African - American Art & Culture website entry (Submitted on September 1, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
2. Mattie V. Lee House - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History website entry (Submitted on September 1, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
3. Elizabeth Harden Gilmore House - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History website entry (Submitted on September 1, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
4. Garnet High School - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. West Virginia Department
Photographed By PaulwC3, August 23, 2014
3. Garnet High School
This building added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, is one of five listed properties in "The Block" historic district.
5. Simpson Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History website entry (Submitted on September 1, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
6. Samuel Starks House - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History website entry (Submitted on September 1, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
7. Charleston remembers 'The Block,' the heart of its black community. The Charleston Gazette - Mail website entry (Submitted on September 1, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
Photographed By PaulwC3, August 23, 2014
4. Simpson Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church
This building added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, is one of five listed properties in "The Block" historic district.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 343 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 1, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the Elizabeth Harden Gilmore House, Mattie V. Lee House and Samuel Starks House • Can you help?
