This year for Black History Month, we’re embracing a poignant yet hopeful moment as we unveil our latest historical marker, shining a light on legacy of Uptown Dallas’s former Black Business District. Founded by resilient freed slaves after the Civil War, this community thrived amidst adversity, fueled by the promise of opportunity. The bustling neighborhood, once known as North Dallas or Freedman’s Town, provided a sanctuary for African Americans in the face of daily racial threats.
The community flourished with the arrival of railways in the 1870s, sparking a surge in population and prosperity. However, the 1940s brought significant change as highways replaced railways, disrupting businesses and dividing the once-unified neighborhood.
While the landscape shifted, the essence of Freedman’s Town remained etched in the memories of those who called it home. Today, traces of its rich history are visible in the remaining cemetery and Griggs Park, both poignant reminders of the community’s enduring spirit. Last year, Uptown Dallas Inc, with the help of Remembering Black Dallas, installed a new historical marker in Griggs Park to symbolize a commitment to preserving the essence of this once-thriving African American enclave in the heart of Dallas, ensuring its legacy lives on for generations to come.
