Montgomery in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Four Points: One of Several Black Business Hubs in Montgomery
Corner of Mildred and Mobile Streets
| | Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail | |
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 11, 2015
1. Four Points: One of Several Black Business Hubs in Montgomery Marker
Four Points: One of Several Black Business Hubs in Montgomery, and the Impact of Desegregation on Black Business Districts
The intersection of Mildred and Moore Streets was once home to Four Points, a thriving black business district. The neighborhood streets were filled with locally owned grocery stores, dentists, shops, gas stations, and professional offices. Mothers and children walked after school to shops and visited with neighbors and community leaders. Family owned businesses thrived in neighborhood districts throughout West Montgomery However, it was not to last.
As courts set landmark legislation outlawing racial segregation and the Interstate Highway Act began reshaping vast areas of black communities, Montgomery's historic black neighborhoods began losing residents due to forced relocation, which decimated customers and revenue for local businesses. One of the unintended effects of desegregation was ultimately the destruction of the historic black business districts and the communities themselves.
Erected 2015 by the City of Montgomery. (Marker Number 7.)
Topics. This historical
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Location. 32° 22.249′ N, 86° 19.07′ W. Marker is in Montgomery, Alabama, in Montgomery County. It is at the intersection of Mobile Street and Mildred Street, on the right when traveling north on Mobile Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 600 Mobile Street, Montgomery AL 36108, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Alabama’s Tri-Counties River Region. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, 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 Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal AME Zion Church (approx. Ό mile away); Black Churches Provide Significant Support for the March and Voting
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 11, 2015
2. Intersection of Mobile & Mildred Streets
There are many leftover foundations, empty lots and buildings in the area.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 12, 2020
3. Four Points: One of Several Black Business Hubs in Montgomery Marker
As noted on marker, only concrete slabs are left from the former buildings. The marker (next to stop sign) can be seen on left near the former gas station.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,185 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 11, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3. submitted on July 13, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
