Landmark Columbus Foundation Announces Black Heritage Trail Markers to Recognize Historical Black Businesses
This effort is part of Landmark Columbus Foundation’s broader commitment to advancing cultural heritage and fostering equity through place-based storytelling.
Columbus, Indiana — Supporting historian and long-time Columbus resident Paulette Roberts' work to document significant Black heritage sites throughout the city, Landmark Columbus Foundation announces the opening of the Black Heritage Trail. This new trail recognizes 10 downtown sites that honor the legacy of Black-owned businesses in downtown Columbus from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, as well as significant cultural events, including Frederick Douglass’ 1873 speech.
To celebrate this moment, a Ribbon-Cutting Celebration will take place on Thursday, June 19, from 5 pm to 7 pm in the 6th Street Arts Alley. The event will feature remarks from Ms. Roberts, historian Brenda Pitts, and Mayor Mary Ferdon.
“I’m so excited for this opportunity to recognize so many pioneers and families that have worked in this community for so long,” said Ms. Roberts. “I hope that these markers help us remember those that have come before us and inspire young people today to start new Black-owned businesses.”
The markers and the Ribbon-Cutting Celebration are produced with support from a leadership grant from the African American Foundation of Bartholomew County, the Benjamin R. (Mickey) King Endowed Fund, and the Heritage Fund. Additional event support is being provided by Black History Columbus.
“The African American Foundation is proud to sponsor this effort at this time,” said Board Chair Tom Harmon. “We are excited to help bring Ms. Roberts' efforts to a reality.”
In addition to Ms. Roberts' work, the Black Heritage Trail has benefited from extensive research from Community Volunteer Jim Nickoll and Bartholomew County Historian Tami Iorio. Roberts, Nickoll, and Iorio presented their findings at a public event held in February 2024 at Helen Haddad Hall, and further research was conducted across the community in collaboration with the Bartholomew County Historical Society and others. In addition to the 10 bronze markers, a handheld guide with a map is being produced to allow visitors to explore the trail. The markers were fabricated with Garland Brook Cemetery and installed by Taylor Brothers Construction.
The Ribbon-Cutting Celebration will feature music by DJ Smooth G, as well as food and drink from Elev8, Lemonade Bros, Stunna’s Meal Prep, and Jack Rabbitts, all hosted in the newly redesigned 6th Street Arts Alley. While the event is free and open to the public, registration on Eventbrite is strongly encouraged so event organizers can plan accordingly.
To learn more about the Black Heritage Trail and download the guide, go to Black History Columbus’ website. For the press, view this link to download photography (credit: Hadley Fruits for Landmark Columbus Foundation) of the bronze markers and the trail map.
Downtown Black Heritage Trail Sites
Annex Barber and Beauty Shop, 617 Washington Street
Business Owner: Grant Smith, est. 1908
Hammond Cafe, 621–625 Washington Street
Business Owner: Elijah Hammond, est. 1903
Art Beauty Shop, 629 Washington Street
Business Owner: Cora Stewart, est. 1916
Postal Shining Parlor, 647 Washington Street
Business Owner: Wayne Handley, est. 1913
Yellow Front, 512 Washington Street
Business Owner: Elmer Goins, est. 1928
Noah Roberts Barbershop, 522 Washington Street
Business Owner: Noah Roberts, est. 1915
Imes and Washington Barbershop, 526 Washington Street
Business Owners: Harry Imes and James Washington, est. 1899
Frederick Douglass Speech, 401–409 Washington Street
Former Crump Opera House
January 1873
Goins Hotel, 415 ½ Fourth Street
Business Owners: Elmer and Lydia Goins, est. 1928
Little Harlem, 302 Eighth Street
Business Owner: Albert Philips, est. 1942
Media Contact
Jamie Goldsborough
jamie@landmarkcolumbus.org
About Landmark Columbus Foundation
Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) cares for, celebrates, and advances the cultural heritage of Columbus, Indiana. To fulfill its mission, LCF directs two locally engaged and globally connected programs that are interwoven in their impact and networks: Exhibit Columbus and Columbus Design Institute. landmarkcolumbusfoundation.org
