05000.CO – JOHNSONTOWN The above sign marks the location of Johnsontown, the first free black community in the state of WV. George W. and Betty Johnson were free African Americans who founded Johnsontown in 1848 on 12 acres of land. Families built several homes in the town along with a one-room graded school. That school also served as a community meeting place. It also served as a religious facility until 1898 when the Zion Baptist Church was built. Former families which lived in Johnsontown are buried in the adjacent cemetery.
05001.CO – DOG TOWN Pictured here is cake which contains photos on it of “Dog Town” in Charles Town, WV. In Jefferson County there were 24 communities which were African American communities. These communities were nurturing and friendly to African Americans and embraced them with open arms. In these communities children felt 100% loved and accepted. When they ventured outside of their communities, then they had to deal with racism and segregation. They found peace and solace in these communities, even when the society at large offered racism and biases.
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