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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.
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.
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.
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.
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