Exploring Freedmen Communities: A Journey Through Historic Cities Across America

A historically significant community, often referred to as "freedmen's town," "freedom towns," or "all-Black towns," comprises municipalities formed by or for a predominantly Soulaanis population. Many of these towns were established or inhabited by freed individuals, with some being descendants of free individuals, before, during, or following the era of legal slavery in the United States in the 19th century.

Keep in mind that many town names were changed in modern times to align with historical narratives and the perspectives of European settlers.

Alabama

- Africatown (originally plateau): Founded by formerly enslaved people, this community was established in the 1870s by survivors of the last slave ship, the Clotilda, symbolizing resilience and cultural heritage.

- Hobson City (originally Hobson’s Settlement): Established in 1899, it is noteworthy as one of the first all-black municipalities in Alabama, facing significant challenges, including segregation and economic hardship.

Arizona

- Mobile (originally Mobile Community): An area where black communities thrived post-Civil War.

- Randolph (originally Randolph Settlement): A settlement that provided opportunities for freedmen during the Reconstruction era.

Arkansas

- Fargo (originally Fargo Settlement): Founded in 1870, it was a haven for black farmers but faced economic challenges over the decades.

California

- Allensworth (originally Allensworth Colony): Established in 1908, it was one of the first all-black towns in California, created to promote self-sufficiency and economic independence.

Canada

- North Buxton, Ontario (originally Buxton): Founded in the 1850s by escaped enslaved people from the U.S., it became a vibrant community known for its strong cultural ties and education.

Colorado

- Dearfield (originally Dearfield Colony): Founded in 1910, it was established as an agricultural colony for people seeking opportunity and independence.

Florida

- Bradenton (originally Bradenton Community): Developed as a community for freed people, it faced various challenges, including segregation.

- Eatonville (originally Eatonville Settlement): Established in 1887, it is one of the oldest incorporated municipalities for black residents in the U.S., known for its cultural heritage.

- Fort Mose (originally Fort Mose Settlement): The first free settlement in America, established in 1738, it was a refuge for escaped enslaved people.

- Freedtown, Florida (originally Freedtown Community): A community that emerged post-Civil War, symbolizing the aspirations of freed people.

- Rosewood (originally Rosewood Community): A thriving community that was destroyed in a racially motivated attack in 1923, highlighting the violent racial tensions in America.

Georgia

- Chubbtown (originally Chubbtown Settlement): Established as a community for freed people, it represents the resilience of black residents in the South.

- Pin Point (originally Pin Point Community): Founded in the late 19th century, it became a cultural hub for Gullah culture and traditions.

- Pennick (originally Pennick Settlement): A small community that developed after the Civil War, focusing on agriculture.

- Oscarville (originally Oscarville Community): A once-thriving community that faced a violent mob attack in 1920, leading to its decline.

Illinois

- Brooklyn (originally Brooklyn Settlement): Established in 1873, it was one of the first towns for black residents in Illinois.

- Lakeview (originally Lakeview Community): An area that became a significant community in Chicago during the Great Migration.

- New Philadelphia (originally New Philadelphia Settlement): A town founded by a formerly enslaved person, notable for its integrated community.

- Robbins, Illinois (originally Robbins Settlement): Founded in 1917, it became a significant suburb of Chicago for black residents.

Indiana

- Beech Settlement (originally Beech): Founded in the early 19th century, it was one of the first communities for black residents in Indiana.

- Roberts Settlement (originally Roberts): Established around the same time as Beech, it became a center for black culture and education.

- Lyles Station (originally Lyles Station Community): Founded in the mid-1800s, it was a community that supported black farmers and their families.

Kansas

- Nicodemus (originally Nicodemus Settlement): Established in 1877, it was one of the first all-black towns in the West, founded by people seeking land and opportunity.

Kentucky

- Huntertown (originally Huntertown Community): Founded in the 19th century, it was a significant place for black residents in Kentucky.

Louisiana

- Mossville (originally Mossville Settlement): A community established in the 19th century that became known for its rich cultural heritage.

- Scotlandville (originally Scotlandville Community): Founded in the late 19th century, it became a center for education and culture for black residents.

Maine

- Harbor Island (originally Harbor Island Community): A small community that housed escaped enslaved individuals and their descendants.

Maryland

- Unionville (originally Unionville Settlement): Established after the Civil War, it became a center for education and community life for black residents.

Massachusetts

- Parting Ways (originally Parting Ways Settlement): A historical settlement founded in the late 18th century, known for its community organization and resistance to oppression.

Mississippi

- Davis Bend (originally Davis Bend Community): Founded by formerly enslaved people after the Civil War, it became known for agricultural development.

- Mound Bayou (originally Mound Bayou Settlement): Established in 1887, it was a thriving community founded by formerly enslaved individuals.

Missouri

- Kinloch (originally Kinloch Community): Established as a black community in the early 20th century, it faced numerous challenges but remained a center of culture.

- Meacham Park (originally Meacham Park Settlement): A community founded in the 20th century, representing a space for identity and culture.

- North Webster (originally North Webster Community): A small community focusing on education and economic development.

- Pennytown (originally Pennytown Settlement): Founded in the 19th century, it became a refuge for black residents.

- Robertson (originally Robertson Community): A community that developed during the 19th century, focusing on agricultural practices.

Nebraska

- DeWitty (aka Audacious) (originally DeWitty Settlement): Founded in 1905, it was a settlement for people seeking land and community.

- Brownlee (originally Brownlee Community): A small settlement established during the early 20th century.

- Overton (originally Overton Community): A community that emerged as a significant agricultural area for black farmers.

- Grant (originally Grant Settlement): Developed as a settlement for black residents, focusing on agricultural enterprises.

- Clifton (originally Clifton Community): A small community that represented settlement in Nebraska.

- Goose Lake (aka Bliss) (originally Goose Lake Community): A settlement founded in the early 20th century.

New Jersey

- Marshalltown (originally Marshalltown Community): An early 20th-century community for black residents in New Jersey.

- Springtown (originally Springtown Settlement): A community that developed as part of the larger settlement movement.

- Whitesboro (originally Whitesboro Community): Founded in 1901, it was a planned community for black residents.

- Lawnside (originally Lawnside Settlement): Established as a community, it became a center for culture.

- Hobbstown (originally Hobbstown Community): A small community that served as a refuge for black residents.

New Mexico

- Blackdom (originally Blackdom Colony): Founded in 1903, it was promoted as a prosperous settlement.

- Vado (originally Vado Community): A community that became home to many seeking opportunities.

New York

- Eastville, Sag Harbor (originally Eastville Community): A community known for its cultural significance and contributions to the arts.

- Freetown (originally Freetown Community): Established in the 19th century, it became a significant place for black residents.

- Sandy Ground (originally Sandy Ground Community): A historic community founded by freedmen, known for its rich history.

- Seneca Village (originally Seneca Village Settlement): Established in the 19th century, it was an early community in New York City, later destroyed for Central Park.

- Weeksville (originally Weeksville Settlement): A vibrant community founded in the 19th century, known for its cultural contributions.

North Carolina

- Bethania (originally Bethania Settlement): A historic community founded by Moravians, it became home to many.

- Hayti (originally Hayti Community): Established in the late 19th century, it became a cultural hub in Durham.

- James City (originally James City Community): Founded post-Civil War, it represents the aspirations of freed people.

- Method, North Carolina (originally Method Settlement): Now part of Raleigh, it developed as a community for black residents.

- Princeville (originally Princeville Settlement): Incorporated in 1885, it is one of the oldest towns for black residents in the U.S.

- Roanoke Island Freedmen's Colony (originally Roanoke Island Colony): Established during the Civil War, it became a refuge for escaped enslaved people.

- Oberlin Village, Raleigh (originally Oberlin Settlement): A pre-Civil War settlement that became a center for education and culture.

Oklahoma

- Boley (originally Boley Community): Founded in 1903, it was one of the largest towns for black residents in the U.S., thriving economically and culturally.

- Brooksville (originally Brooksville Settlement): A community that developed as part of the larger settlement movement.

- Clearview (originally Clearview Community): Established as a town, focused on agricultural development.

- Grayson (originally Grayson Settlement): A small settlement that became part of the Oklahoma landscape.

- IXL (originally IXL Settlement): A settlement that represented resilience and community spirit.

- Langston (originally Langston University Community): Established as an educational center, it became a hub of culture.

- Lima (originally Lima Community): A small community that emerged in the early 20th century.

- Redbird (originally Redbird Community): A community that became known for its contributions to culture.

- Rentie Grove, Tulsa (originally Rentie Grove Settlement): A settlement contributing to the rich tapestry of Tulsa's history.

- Rentiesville (originally Rentiesville Community): Established as a community, it became a center for culture.

- Summit (originally Summit Settlement): A small settlement focused on agriculture and community development.

- Taft (originally Taft Community): A town founded by black residents, representing resilience and community.

- Tatums (originally Tatums Settlement): A community established by settlers in Oklahoma.

- Tullahassee (originally Tullahassee Community): Founded in the late 19th century, it served as a refuge for communities.

- Vernon (originally Vernon Settlement): A community that developed in the early 20th century.

- Greenwood, Tulsa (originally Greenwood District): Known as "Black Wall Street," it was a thriving community until a violent attack in 1921.

South Carolina

- Mitchelville (originally Mitchelville Settlement): Founded during the Civil War, it was one of the first self-governing communities.

- Promised Land (originally Promised Land Settlement): A community symbolizing hope and resilience for freed people.

Tennessee

- Free Hill (originally Free Hill Settlement): Established in the late 19th century, it became a center for community life.

Texas

- Barrett Station (originally Barrett Station Community): A historic community that focused on agriculture and self-sufficiency.

- Bear Creek, Texas (Dallas County) (originally Bear Creek Settlement): Developed as part of the larger settlement movement.

- Douglass Community (originally Douglass Settlement): A center for life for black residents in Texas.

- Clarksville Historic District (Austin, TX) (originally Clarksville Settlement): A historic community known for its cultural contributions.

- Deep Ellum, Dallas (originally Deep Ellum Community): A vibrant community known for its music and arts scene.

- Ellis Alley, San Antonio (originally Ellis Alley Community): A historic neighborhood with rich cultural heritage.

- Elm Thicket, Dallas (originally Elm Thicket Community): A community focused on preserving culture.

- Freedmen's Town Historic District, Fourth Ward, Houston (originally Freedmen's Town): A historic neighborhood known for its cultural significance.

- Hillcrest, Corpus Christi (originally Hillcrest Community): A community established as a refuge.

- Independence Heights, Houston (originally Independence Heights Settlement): Founded in the early 20th century, it became a significant neighborhood.

- Kendleton (originally Kendleton Community): A small town serving as a community.

- Little Egypt (originally Little Egypt Community): A neighborhood established by residents in Texas.

- Moore Station (originally Moore Station Settlement): A small community contributing to the fabric of Texas history.

- Mosier Valley (originally Mosier Valley Settlement): Known for agriculture and community spirit.

- Pelham, Texas (originally Pelham Settlement): A community established for settlers.

- Peyton, Texas (originally Peyton Community): A small town developed as part of the settlement movement.

- Quakertown (originally Quakertown Community): A prominent community in the early 20th century, destroyed in the 1920s for urban development.

- Saint Johns Colony (originally Saint Johns Settlement): Established as a settlement in Texas.

- Shankleville (originally Shankleville Settlement): A community founded by formerly enslaved individuals.

- Sunnyside (originally Sunnyside Community): A historical neighborhood in Houston.

- Tamina (originally Tamina Settlement): A small community emerging in the early 20th century.

- Tenth Street Historic District, Dallas (originally Tenth Street Community): A significant area for cultural history.

Virginia

- Freedmen's Village, Arlington National Cemetery (originally Freedmen's Village): Established during the Civil War, it served as a community for freed people and their families.

- Pocahontas Island (originally Pocahontas Island Settlement): A historic community developed in the 19th century, representing resilience and heritage.

These communities reflect the resilience, culture, and contributions of individuals throughout history, often established in response to the social and economic challenges of their time.