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Africatown Historic District: A Legacy of Resilience

Discover the inspiring story of resilience and cultural preservation in Africatown, USA, founded by the last known survivors of the transatlantic slave trade.

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Explore Africatown, a community founded by survivors of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to arrive in the U.S. in 1860. Discover their remarkable story of resilience, cultural preservation, and the ongoing fight for environmental justice in this historic Mobile, Alabama neighborhood.

A brief summary to Africatown Historic District

  • Plateau, Mobile, Plateau, Alabama, 36610, US

Local tips

  • Visit the Africatown Heritage House to experience 'Clotilda: The Exhibition' and learn about the survivors and descendants of the last known slave ship.
  • Explore the Old Plateau Cemetery, also known as Africatown Graveyard, to connect with the history of the community's founders.
  • Check the Mobile Transit Authority (The Wave) for bus routes serving the area, as public transportation directly into Africatown may be limited.
  • Be mindful that Africatown is a residential area and respect the community's residents and their property.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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Discover more about Africatown Historic District

Africatown, also known as AfricaTown USA and Plateau, is a historic community located just north of downtown Mobile, Alabama. Founded in 1872, it stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of 32 West Africans who were illegally brought to the United States on the Clotilda in 1860, the last known slave ship to reach American shores. After emancipation, these individuals, primarily of Yoruba and Fon ethnicity, sought to return to their homeland but were unable to secure funding. Instead, they purchased land and established Africatown, a self-governed community where they preserved their West African customs, language, and traditions. They established institutions such as the African Church (later Old Landmark Church), the Old Plateau Cemetery (Africatown Graveyard), and the Mobile County Training School. Today, Africatown faces modern challenges, including environmental pollution from encroaching industries. However, the community remains dedicated to preserving its unique heritage. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Africatown Heritage House, which hosts the 'Clotilda: The Exhibition', and the Old Plateau Cemetery. These sites offer a glimpse into the lives and experiences of the Clotilda survivors and their descendants. The Africatown Heritage Preservation Foundation (AHPF) plays a vital role in preserving and documenting the stories of Africatown and fostering cultural and economic transformation. The AHPF supports community-based initiatives like the Africatown Swim Program and the Plateau Cemetery Database project.

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