History
10 US Settlements Established And Sustained By Black Citizens
In times when fairness was out of reach, some chose to create it on their own terms. Black settlers across the United States established towns where opportunity wasn’t filtered through barriers. These places grew through resilience, care, and vision. The article looks into ten such communities that reflect a powerful chapter in American history.
Mound Bayou, Mississippi
Carved out of undeveloped land in the Mississippi Delta’s Bolivar County in 1887, Mound Bayou was a bold declaration of Black independence. Established by Isaiah T. Montgomery alongside other formerly enslaved individuals, the settlement sought autonomy from white dominance and evolved into a self-governed community.
Eatonville, Florida
Named after Josiah Eaton, a landowner who sold property to Black settlers, Eatonville was incorporated in 1887. This pioneering community offered political autonomy through Black leadership, economic stability via land and business enterprise, and cultural richness through educational institutions and churches. Notably, author Zora Neale Hurston was raised there.
Nicodemus, Kansas
Founded in 1877 by formerly enslaved Kentuckians, Nicodemus was established as a haven following the failure to protect Black rights after the Civil War. Its settlers braved harsh prairie life to build schools and businesses. In 1996, Nicodemus was named a National Historic Site—the only remaining Western town founded by African Americans that still exists.
Boley, Oklahoma
Booming with over 4,000 residents by 1911, Boley was no sleepy settlement. Pioneered in 1903, it boasted Black-owned banks, such as the First National Bank of Boley, and thrived on a strong railroad economy. Booker T. Washington once called it “the most enterprising Black town in the US,” a powerful endorsement of its vision.
Allensworth, California
Colonel Allen Allensworth led the effort to create a town where Black citizens could live free from prejudice. Established in 1908, it fostered Black-owned businesses like the Allensworth Hotel and landmarks such as the Baptist church. The Allensworth School also symbolizes the community’s control of education and commitment to nurturing future generations without bias.
Rentiesville, Oklahoma
Rentiesville is an all-Black town formed in 1903 by William Rentie and Phoebe McIntosh. It is the birthplace of Dr. John Hope Franklin, a pioneering historian who shaped black history by documenting their experiences. The town is also known for the Dusk Til Dawn Blues Festival, an annual celebration of music and Black culture.
Dearfield, Colorado
Imagine betting your future on dry plains and grit. That’s precisely what visionary Oliver Toussaint Jackson did in 1910. Dearfield soon blossomed into a self-sustaining agricultural hub, with farms, livestock, and local businesses supporting over 200 residents by the early 1920s. Its name blended “dear” and “field,” reflecting pride in hard-earned, valued land.
Freedmen’s Town, Texas
In 1865, formerly enslaved Black residents created Freedmen’s Town in Houston, a vibrant cultural and economic hub. Beyond homes and businesses, it hosted social events and skilled trades like carpentry and tailoring. Despite facing segregation, discrimination, and economic hardships, landmarks like Antioch Missionary Baptist Church continue to honor their lasting legacy.
Lincolnville, Florida
Lincolnville, in St. Augustine, Florida, was founded by freed Black men and women in 1866 and named after Abraham Lincoln. It grew into a Civil Rights hub by hosting protests that advanced racial equality. Today, it features the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center, historic churches, and guided heritage tours showcasing its rich Black history.
Princeville, North Carolina
Princeville, established in 1885 in North Carolina, is recognized as the first town incorporated by African Americans in the United States. It was originally named Freedom Hill by formerly enslaved settlers after the Civil War. The community faced floods and economic hardship. However, it survived and went on to build a legacy of Black local control and resilience.
Throughout history, many Native American tribes faced overwhelming pressure to assimilate or submit, but one remained steadfast. Their resilience and determination became legendary. This is the story of the tribe that refused to yield and preserved its way of life against all odds.
The Yaqui Homeland And Identity
Sun-scorched deserts and fertile river valleys shaped the Yaqui way of life. They mastered agriculture, growing maize and squash while fishing the Rio Yaqui’s waters. Their spiritual beliefs, deeply tied to nature, strengthened their cultural resilience long before outside forces attempted to uproot them.
A Standoff With Spanish Conquistadors
When Spanish explorers arrived in the early 1600s, they expected surrender. Instead, they encountered skilled defenders who knew every crevice of their land. The Yaqui stood firm but also negotiated strategically. Rather than being overrun, they secured peace under conditions that preserved their independence—a rare victory at the time.
Cajeme’s Defiance Against The Mexican Government
A leader, a strategist, and a symbol of resistance—Cajeme guided the Yaqui through one of their most challenging eras in the 19th century. He planned defenses and orchestrated ambushes. In addition, he built strongholds and refused to bow to external rule. Even after his capture, his name fueled further defiance.
The Bacum Massacre’s Haunting Legacy
A church should have been a place of safety, but in 1868, it became a site of devastation. Mexican forces stormed a Yaqui village, taking the lives of over 120 people inside a place of worship. This brutal act only strengthened the tribe’s determination, ensuring their struggle for survival continued.
Forced Labor And The Long March South
Not all conflicts were fought on the battlefield. Thousands of Yaqui families were forced onto trains and sent to distant plantations, where they endured relentless labor under harsh conditions. Many never returned, but those who escaped carried their stories home, igniting new waves of resistance against displacement.
Seeking Refuge In The United States
Exile was not surrender—it was survival. Crossing into Arizona, many Yaqui found safety but faced new struggles. They built communities in Tucson and Phoenix, determined to preserve their traditions while adapting to an unfamiliar world. Against all odds, they proved that identity can endure across borders.
Unbreakable Rituals And The Power Of The Deer Dance
Ceremonies became acts of defiance. The Deer Dance, a mesmerizing blend of movement and music, honored their connection to nature and reinforced unity. Spanish priests once tried to silence it. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of endurance, performed by Yaqui dancers across generations.
Strategic Adaptation During The Mexican Revolution
In turbulent times, the Yaqui adjusted. Their fighters mastered quick, unpredictable strikes, using their deep knowledge of the terrain to outmaneuver much larger forces. Aligning with different revolutionary groups when necessary, they turned shifting alliances into opportunities for survival and influence.
Land Promises And Ongoing Struggles In The 20th Century
Hope emerged in 1937 when President Lazaro Cardenas recognized Yaqui’s land rights. But official agreements didn’t stop encroachment. Water projects diverted their river, and industrial expansion threatened sacred lands. In addition, policies continued to undermine their sovereignty.
The Fight To Save The Rio Yaqui
The Rio Yaqui, a lifeline for generations, faces new threats. Government-backed projects have diverted its flow, endangering the Yaqui’s ability to sustain their communities. Protests, law battles, and organized movements have become their tools of resistance.
Abandoned churches in the U.S. are more than just forgotten buildings; they are the remnants of communities that once found solace in these sacred spaces. Many of these churches carry tragic backstories that remain largely untold. Here are 10 abandoned churches in the U.S. with poignant stories.
City Methodist Church, Indiana
Grand arches now frame shattered stained glass, whispering tales of a lost era. Once the largest Methodist church in the Midwest, this Gothic masterpiece closed in 1975 as Gary’s economy collapsed. Today, urban explorers wander its ruins, drawn to the haunting beauty of decay.
First Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia
Marble columns still stand, but the congregation is long gone. Built in 1902, the First Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia, was an architectural marvel before time and neglect consumed it. This particular church, distinct from the active First Baptist Church of Augusta established in 1817, now exists only as an abandoned structure.
Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church, Detroit, Michigan
Rising from Detroit’s skyline like a forgotten relic, this church once commanded attention with its towering spires and intricate Gothic design. Built in 1911, it flourished as the city’s population boomed. But as economic hardships gripped the area, attendance waned, and by 2005, the grand sanctuary fell silent.
St. Luke Baptist Church, Marianna, Florida
Founded in 1867, it stood as a pillar of faith and resilience for the local Black community. As the years passed, its congregation thinned, and time took its toll on the structure. Now, weathered wood and crumbling walls remain, whispering stories of devotion, unity, and the passage of time.
Church of the Transfiguration, Buffalo, New York
Once a thriving sanctuary for Polish immigrants, the Church of the Transfiguration now stands as a ghostly monument to time’s passage. This church closed in 1991, which left behind its towering Gothic spires and crumbling stained glass. A roof collapse in 2020 sealed its fate, yet its haunting beauty continues to draw urban explorers and historians.
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Princeton, New Jersey
The charred ruins are a stark reminder of this church that was once a favorite among some. Flames consumed a century-old landmark, but its significance remains. This 130-year-old Princeton church was more than just a building—it was a cornerstone of faith and history.
Old Brick Church, Bacon’s Castle, Virginia
The Old Brick Church near Bacon’s Castle, Virginia, is a haunting relic of colonial America. It once echoed with sermons and hymns after construction in 1754 but fell into abandonment after the Church of England was disestablished. A fire in 1868 left it in ruins, yet its weathered brick walls still whisper stories of faith and resilience.
St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Cleveland, Ohio
In Cleveland, Ohio, a Gothic Revival church once stood as the heart of the Catholic community. Built in 1853, St. Michael’s Catholic Church was known for its stained glass windows and towering spires. However, by the 1970s, the congregation had dwindled, leading to its abandonment.
The Old Stone Church, Cleveland, Ohio
Built in 1820, it is one of the city’s oldest remaining structures. Originally a Presbyterian church, it witnessed the city’s early growth. As Cleveland expanded in the 1950s, the congregation moved to a larger facility, and the Old Stone Church was abandoned. Despite its emptiness, the church remains an iconic part of the city’s history.
Grace Episcopal Church, New York City, New York
This church, founded in 1808, once symbolized the religious and cultural spirit of Manhattan. Known for its grand architecture and community involvement, it was a key part of the city’s Episcopal presence for over a century. The attendance declined as the 20th century wore on, and the church was eventually abandoned.
Around 2900 BCE, a cataclysmic volcanic eruption reshaped the world in ways that would be felt for generations. The massive blast spewed ash into the sky, blocking sunlight and triggering a dramatic period of global cooling. The effects were felt throughout the globe, and different cultures reacted differently. Here’s how.
The 5,000-Year-Old Volcano And Its Impact On Climate
This volcanic winter lasted several years, and it made life harsh for Neolithic societies. Cooler temperatures led to devastating climate changes, pushing ancient communities to adapt quickly. As the darkness took over, populations sought answers through rituals and offerings, with many turning to symbolic acts.
Evidence Of Climatic Catastrophe In Ice Cores
Ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica contain sulfate traces from the 2900 BCE eruption, and they provided key evidence of its global impact. These layers of sulfuric particles confirm that a volcanic event large enough to alter global climate occurred.
The Mysterious Sun Stones Of Denmark
On the island of Bornholm, archaeologists uncovered 614 sunstones—flat shale pieces adorned with sun motifs and images resembling fields and crops. These items were buried in a ditch around 2900 BCE, likely in response to the environmental catastrophe.
The Community’s Unified Response To Disaster
Dr. Rune Iversen, an archaeologist involved in the study, explains how the shared nature of these offerings may have united the community in facing a dire, shared fate. Archaeologists speculate that the event marked a turning point in the community’s relationship with nature.
The Role Of Sun Motifs In Ancient Rituals
Sun motifs appear across cultures and are often used to symbolize life and fertility. The sunstones of Bornholm reflect this symbolic connection to sustenance. At a time when crops failed, ancient societies used these powerful symbols to express their dependence on the sun’s life-giving energy.
Famine And Crop Failures
Around the world, the eruption’s effects were felt. With temperatures dropping significantly, entire regions saw their harvests destroyed. The aftermath of such events caused massive food shortages, and it pushed ancient societies to resort to any means necessary to survive, including ritual offerings.
Neolithic Communities’ Resilience Beyond Rituals
In addition to ritual sacrifices like the sunstones, Neolithic communities likely adapted their lifestyles to combat the prolonged volcanic winter. Changes in settlement patterns suggest a shift toward communal living, where pooling resources and sharing food became essential for survival.
Traces Of The Eruption’s Aftermath In Other Regions
The 2900 BCE eruption left a distinct fingerprint far beyond Denmark. Evidence from regions like the Middle East shows increased reliance on drought-resistant crops and innovations in irrigation systems. These adaptive strategies reveal how ancient societies around the globe responded with ingenuity to counteract the disruptions.
Spiritual Beliefs Shaped By Natural Disasters
The catastrophic eruption may have influenced long-term spiritual beliefs in Neolithic societies. Symbols like the sun became central to rituals, possibly reflecting a newfound reverence for celestial forces. This event likely marked a shift in how ancient communities interpreted natural phenomena.
The Birth Of Organized Leadership
The volcanic eruption triggered lasting changes in governance among ancient societies. As resources dwindled, communities developed formal leadership roles. These structures enabled organized crisis responses, resource allocation, and ritual coordination. Archaeological evidence suggests this shift fostered social cohesion, reinforcing shared identities and long-term survival strategies.
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