Africatown Historic District: A Story of Resilience
Discover the inspiring story of Africatown, founded by the last known survivors of the transatlantic slave trade in the United States.
Africatown, also known as AfricaTown USA and Plateau, is a historic community located just north of downtown Mobile, Alabama. It was founded by a group of 32 West Africans who were illegally brought to the United States in 1860 on the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to arrive in the country. The Atlantic slave trade had been banned in 1808, but the Clotilda smuggled 110 slaves from the Kingdom of Dahomey into Mobile. To hide the evidence of this crime, the ship was burned and scuttled. After the Civil War, these formerly enslaved people established Africatown, where they maintained their West African customs and languages. The community thrived, with its own churches, schools, and businesses. Despite facing discrimination and the encroachment of industry, the residents of Africatown preserved their unique cultural heritage. The Africatown Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. Today, visitors can explore several landmarks that tell the story of Africatown, including the Africatown Heritage House, which showcases the history of the Clotilda and the community's founders. The Old Plateau Cemetery, founded in 1876, is another important site, serving as the final resting place for many of Africatown's early residents. While visiting, please remember that Africatown is a residential area, and respect for the community and its residents is paramount.
Local tips
- Visit the Africatown Heritage House to learn about the history of the Clotilda and the founders of Africatown.
- Explore the Old Plateau Cemetery, the final resting place for many of Africatown's early residents.
- Be mindful that Africatown is a residential area and respect the community and its residents.
A brief summary to Africatown Historic District
- Plateau, Mobile, Plateau, Alabama, 36610, US
Getting There
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Driving
From downtown Mobile, head north on N Royal Street, which turns into Africatown Blvd. Continue for approximately 3 miles. As you enter Africatown, look for signs directing you to the Africatown Heritage House or other points of interest. Parking is available near the Africatown Heritage House and Robert L. Hope Community Center and is free.
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Public Transport
The Wave Transit System provides public transportation in Mobile. Check the Wave's website or app for bus routes that serve the area. From downtown Mobile, take a bus that heads north towards Prichard. You may need to walk a short distance from the nearest bus stop to reach the Africatown Heritage House or other attractions. A one-way fare is $1.25.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. A ride from downtown Mobile to Africatown will typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on demand and traffic conditions. Specify 'Africatown Historic District' or a specific address within the district (e.g., Africatown Heritage House, 2465 Winbush Street) as your destination.
