10 historic Black landmarks to visit in the USA
Black culture has shaped much of American history and its cultural impact around the world. In a time where conversations around race and the injustices committed against the Black community have moved to the center after the last year’s George Floyd protests, it is critical to preserve sites that hold significance in American history.
Black sites and monuments exist across the country as preserved moments in time that either sparked a revolution or bore witness to the resilience that inspired other movements. While there are numerous monuments and cultural sites that signified the fullness of the Black culture, these 10 sites are a must whenever you plan a trip to any of these cities.
Editor's note: During COVID-19, please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice. Events may be subject to change.
1. Frederick Douglass House – Washington D.C.
Frederick Douglass was a prominent abolitionist and Black scholar who was crucial in helping end slavery. You can learn all about Douglass’ life and see how the scholar lived via a tour of his Anacostia home. The house, which Douglass lived in from 1877 until his death in 1895, became a part of the National Park Service in 1962. Today, visitors can book guided tours of the home and see Douglass' library and desk among other original items.
2. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument – Cambridge, Maryland
After being named a national monument in 2013 by former President Barack Obama, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument has attracted visitors from all walks of life to learn about the woman people called "Moses". The site contains four notable stops along with the historic underground network, including the Jacobs Jackson House, Bezel Church, Stewart’s Canal, and James Cook Home Site.
3. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial – Washington DC
In a city filled with iconic monuments and historic sites, the astounding 30-foot tall Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is a must-see. The sculpture depicts the famous Civil Rights activist carved in granite with a few of his most famous quotes etched in the stone. The monument has quickly grown in popularity since its unveiling in 2011.
4. The Howard Thurman House – Daytona Beach, Florida
Author, philosopher, and educator Howard Thurman is regarded as one of the architects of the nonviolent movement, with much of his philosophical work becoming a foundation for the Civil Rights protests. Today, visitors can tour his home and learn more about the man who inspired some of our greatest civil rights activists like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
5. Maggie L. Walker National Site – Richmond, Virginia
Virginia-native Maggie L. Walker was the first Black woman to found a bank and became a prominent businesswoman who helped the Black community in the Richmond area. Guided tours through the Maggie L. Walker National Site provide insight into the woman who was a big proponent of Civil Rights and the economic empowerment of Black Americans.
6. Mount Zion Baptist Church – Tulsa, Oklahoma
As the center of the Black Community, churches have always played a major role in African American’s push for equality. Mount Zion Baptist Church in Tulsa was one of those places. Located in the historic Greenwood neighborhood, the church was destroyed during The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre (the same year it was dedicated). It was officially rebuilt in 1952 and is a testament to the resilience of the Black community living there today.
7. Boston African American National Historic Site – Boston, Massachusetts
Located in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, the African American National Historic Site houses 15 Civil-War era structures connected to the city's Black community. Some of its more notable points of interest include the Robert Gould Shaw monument, the Museum of African American History’s African Meeting House and the oldest African American church in the state.
8. American Beach – Jacksonville, Florida
During the Jim Crow era, beaches in the US were either segregated or whites-only. Jacksonville’s American Beach became the only refuge for Black residents after being purchased by the black-owned, Afro-American Life Insurance Company in the 1930s. From that moment and through the 1950s, American Beach became a popular destination for Black travelers as one of the only beachfront properties where Black visitors could vacation peacefully. In 2001, American Beach was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
9. Daisy Bates House – Little Rock, Arkansas
The Little Rock Nine are forever cemented in American history when they became the first group of students to desegregate a high school in Arkansas. Former state NAACP President and newspaper publisher Daisy Bates allowed her home to become a meeting spot and safe place for the students. Despite the threat of violence, Daisy and her husband, Lucius Christopher Bates, persevered. Today, the house is private property and not open to the public.
10. Mason Temple, Church of God in Christ – Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis’ Mason Temple served as one of the focal meeting grounds for the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. It is also the place where Martin Luther King Jr. made his famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech on the eve of his assassination.
