Topics Related to African American History

10 Places to Explore Black History in North Carolina

African American culture and history have deep roots in North Carolina. Across the state, these stories are preserved in special locations dedicated to honoring the experiences and achievements of African Americans. Here are 10 places to explore Black history in North Carolina:

Plymouth Massacre (B-79)

Confederate attack on U.S. troops, April 1864 led to killing of Black soldiers and civilians. Atrocity diminished the placement of Black troops in N.C.

L. Richardson Memorial Hospital (J-128)

Opened in 1927 to serve Black patients during Jim Crow era. Housed nursing school, 1929-1954. Operated here until it relocated in 1966.

Citizens for Responsible Zoning (E-132)

The historically Black community of Kingsboro organized to stop hog slaughterhouse efforts, 1996. Environmental victory. Met 1/2 mile west.

Annie Wealthy Holland

State supervisor of Black elementary schools, 1915-1934. Est. N.C. Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers. Was Gates Co. Jeanes Supervisor, here.

James Walker Jr. 1924-1997 (A-96)

Was grassroots civil rights attorney. Advocate for voting rights. Among first Black law students at U.N.C., 1951. Served in WWII. Born nearby

North Carolina Federation of Colored Women's Clubs (J-127)

Founded in 1909 by civic-minded African American women. Promoted social causes: "Lifting as We Climb." Early statewide meetings held here.

Nathan Newbold 1871-1957 (H-127)

Director, N.C. Division of Negro Education, 1921-50. White advocate for Black opportunities within the system of segregation. He lived 2 blocks N.

Incarcerated Laborers (Q-61)

Many arrested under Jim Crow laws; leased from the state to build WNC Railroad. Many died, including 19 who drowned near Cowee Tunnel, 1882.

Allen School (P-101)

Established in 1887 to educate African Americans in western N.C. Emerged as residential preparatory school for Black women. Was 1/3 mi. E until 1974.