05000.CO

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.