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African-American History in
Ann Arbor
African-Americans played a significant role in the history of Lower Town
and Ann Arbor. The federal census shows African-Americans living in the
city as early as 1840. They settled in several neighborhoods -- including
the area around Fourth and Beakes Street, along Broadway and Wall Streets
in Lower Town, and near the university hospital. Click here to see maps
showing African-American residences throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
[to be scanned]
Before the Civil War, many more African-Americans probably passed through
than remained in town to live and work. Fugitives from slavery, these men,
women, and children arrived in Ann Arbor seeking freedom in Canada on the
Underground Railroad. Local abolitionists in provided these often exhausted
escapees with food and shelter and assisted them in the last stages of
their flight. Click here to learn more about the Underground Railroad.
After the Civil War, some people who passed through Ann Arbor on their
journey north returned to live in the African-American community. Despite
Ann Arbor's reputation for openness, African-Americans found themselves
discriminated against in employment, housing, and social life. One way
people countered this discrimination was through voluntary associations
such as churches and civic clubs. Click here to find out more about these associations.
Despite the importance of African-Americans in Ann Arbor's history, much of
their story remains hidden. What kind of occupations did African-Americans
have? What were their educational experiences? What did they do for
entertainment? Click here to learn more about the everyday lives of Black Ann Arborites at different times in history.
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