Sundance Square in Fort Worth in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

African-American History

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 20, 2010

1. African-American History Marker

Inscription. The first African-American residents of Fort Worth were slaves who received the delayed news of their emancipation on June 19, 1865. Those who remained in the area began to build a community on the city’s east side. A blacksmith shop operated by John Pratt was the first known African-American business. Mount Gilead Baptist Church, 600 Grove Street, was organized in 1875.

The community revolved around the Fraternal Bank & Trust Co. and the Masonic Lodge, both built in 1912 by prominent businessman William Madison “Gooseneck Bill” McDonald. Loans from McDonald’s bank enabled residents to purchase homes and start businesses. The community was served by several African-American doctors, including Dr. Riley Ransom, who opened a hospital in 1918.

A mural by artist Paula Blincoe Collins (along the Intermodal Transportation Center walkway) depicts Fort Worth’s early African-American history.

Erected 2006 by Heritage Trails and City of Fort Worth. (Marker Number 19.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Churches & Religion • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1963.

Location.

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32° 45.141′ N, 97° 19.575′ W. Marker is in Fort Worth, Texas, in Tarrant County. It is in Sundance Square. Marker is at the intersection of Jones Street and 9th Street on Jones Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 Jones Street, Fort Worth TX 76102, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Car 25 (a few steps from this marker); Site of Majestic Theatre (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); JFK (approx. 0.2 miles away); John F. Kennedy Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Black Business District (approx. 0.2 miles away); "A Great Time to be Alive" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Black Medical District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 2144 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Worth.

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 20, 2010

2. African-American History Marker

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 20, 2010

3. African-American History Marker

Mural by artist Paula Blincoe Collins (along the Intermodal Transportation Center walkway) depicts Fort Worth’s early African- American history. The Marker is just to the left of this mural

Mount Gilead Baptish Church, mentioned in the marker text. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 20, 2010

4. Mount Gilead Baptish Church, mentioned in the marker text.

"Mount Gilead Baptist Church, 600 Grove Street, was organized in 1875."

The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 2144 Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 20, 2010

5. The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 2144 Building

The "Masonic Lodge" mentioned in the marker text, this building is at 610 Grove Street.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 1,340 times since then and 112 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 11, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 2. submitted on April 19, 2017, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 3. submitted on February 11, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 4, 5. submitted on April 19, 2017, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.