Topics Related to African American History

State’s first regiment of black Union soldiers rallied here on July 24, 1863. In 1864, designated 35th U.S. Colored Troops.

First African American Masonic lodge in N.C.; est. 1865. Erected in 1870, the building was moved here in 1920s.

Est. 1802 to serve all local Methodists. After 1864 mother church for the A.M.E. Zion faith, it became St. Peter’s, 1879. Stood 1/10 mi. S.

Recruit training depot for black Marines, 1942-1949. In 1974 renamed Camp Johnson for Sgt. Gilbert Johnson, drill instructor. One mi. SE.

Community was founded here in 1863 as resettlement camp for formerly enslaved people. It was named for Horace James, U.S. Army Chaplain.

Lawyer; member of N.C. legislature, 1881 & 1885. U.S. Congressman, 1897-1901. Born into slavery. Home stands 2 blocks N.

Asst. Superintendent Public Instruction, 1868-70; a founder Livingstone College, 1885; Bishop A.M.E. Zion Church; founded St. Peters, 1864. One blk. N.

African Americans boycotted public schools for the 1968-1969 year, challenging desegregation plan to close black schools. In fall 1968 protests were held at courthouse here. Committee of 14 helped devise plan to reopen schools, with the formerly African American schools housing lower grades.

Prior to formation of 1st N.C. Colored Volunteers about 100 black men were armed to aid Union forces during the siege of Washington in 1863.

The first refugee slave community in N.C. Est. in 1863 by Union troops. It operated until 1867 on land nearby, extending S.