Florida has a rich and diverse history.  African American landmarks and legacies exist in various locations throughout the state. The following historical sites can be found in Marion County.  While some of these sites can be visited, other listings are marked "private" and are not open to the public.


Dunnellon
Second Bethel Baptist Church
1991 West Test Court (Private)
This frame vernacular style building was completed in 1888 and served as a school for the black community. The pastor, the Reverend Henry Shaw, was the first to minister to the local African American turpentine, sawmill and phosphate workers.


Ocala
Fessenden Elementary School
4200 NW 90th Street
Established in 1868, the school became Fessenden Academy in 1898, in honor of Ferdinand Stone Fessenden, a wealthy businessman from Boston who provided financial support and encouraged the American Missionary Association to sponsor the school. Existing buildings date from the Great Depression. (352) 671-4935.


Howard Academy Community Center
306 NW 7th Avenue
Howard Academy was established in 1886 by the Board of Public Instruction as a “grade school for Negroes.”
(352) 629-7082.


Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church
623 South Magnolia Avenue
The only surviving brick 19th century religious structure in Ocala, the present Gothic Revival church stands behind the site of the original white frame building. Construction of the first brick church owned by a black congregation began in 1891 under the supervision of black architect and builder, Levi Alexander, Sr. (352) 873-8000.


West Ocala Historic District
Silver Springs Boulevard between Eastbound I-75 and Pine Avenue
This historic district includes more than 100 buildings that are significant to the African American community that flourished here between 1886 and 1920.

Adapted from Florida Black Heritage Trail, published by the Florida Department of State, in partnership with VISIT FLORIDA, copyright 2007.  For more information on African American sites, please visit flheritage.com.

Additional information can also be found at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/milesmedia/floridablackheritage/