Winston-Salem in Forsyth County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
George Henry Black Memorial
Master Brickmaker
— 1879-1980 —
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, January 6, 2012
1. George Henry Black marker
Honoring his contribution to the architectural beauty of his community and historic sites throughout America.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features.
Location. 36° 5.798′ N, 80° 14.473′ W. Marker is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in Forsyth County. Marker is at the intersection of Chestnut Street and 2nd Street, on the right when traveling north on Chestnut Street. Located about 100 ft from street, to the right of the entrance to the Forsyth County Government Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 N Chestnut Street, Winston Salem NC 27101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Richard Joshua Reynolds (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Honorable Willie Jones of Halifax (about 700 feet away); Thomas J. Wilson (about 800 feet away); Site of First House Erected in Winston (about 800 feet away); Winston-Salem Rotary Club (about 800 feet away); City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Former Dividing Line Between Winston and Salem (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wm. Cyrus Briggs (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winston-Salem.
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Regarding George Henry Black Memorial. In addition to area factories, George Henry Black's bricks were used in various Winston-Salem mansions, the original NC Baptist Hospital, the Salem College Library, and in several buildings in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Black was interviewed by Charles Kuralt for "The CBS Evening News" in 1971, saying, "R.J. Reynolds came out on his horse — he rid a horse, you know, all of the time, and he came out and ordered these bricks. His first order was for 500,000 bricks, and the next time he came out he ordered a million. It gave a lot of us a whole lot of work... For a dollar and a half a day. Yes, siree. Make six at a time. Put them out on the board and put them in a kiln and burned them."
Later that year, Black was invited to visit the White House by President Nixon.
George Black’s house and brickyard are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Black's house - on National Register of Historic
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, January 6, 2012
2. George Henry Black Marker
Also see . . .
1. George Black. Digital Forsyth website entry (Submitted on January 7, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.)
2. NC Resolution. Resolution by NC state legislature honoring Black (Submitted on January 7, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.)
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, January 6, 2012
3. George Henry Black Marker
Another historic R.J. Reynolds factory building--likely containing Black's bricks--can be seen in the background.
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, January 6, 2012
4. George Henry Black Marker
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, January 6, 2012
5. George Henry Black Marker credits
Sculptor - Grace Parker Napper
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, January 6, 2012
6. George Henry Black Marker
Close-up of Black's bricks in the memorial.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,460 times since then and 99 times this year. Last updated on February 16, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 7, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
