South Center Street Walking Tour

In the late-nineteenth century, Springfield had one of the largest Black populations in the North. Many of these residents settled in or around South Center Street, a Black neighborhood dating back to the 1820s. Join us on a walking tour of this once vibrant neighborhood and learn about some of the remarkable people who once called it home, including C.M. Patterson, Robert C. Henry, and George and Sarah Gammon. We will end by looking at how community leaders are working to reverse the decline caused by decades of discriminatory policies. Meet outside the Church of Jesus, 620 South Center Street.
Guided by Dale Henry and Kevin Rose / Mobility 2
$15 General / $12 Members
About the Summer Tour Series:
Kevin Rose, historian at the Turner Foundation, created the Summer Tour Series in 2004 to build awareness of Springfield’s built environment. Then called the Summer Walking Tour Series, it featured eight guided walks of popular neighborhoods and districts in Springfield, Ohio. The series has more than doubled in size over the past 20 years, now encompassing 14-20 guided tours in and around the Greater Springfield Region. A dynamic committee of community volunteers oversees the creation and management of the series.
Accessibility:
Tours and programs offered by the Westcott House and Westcott Center for Architecture + Design are developed for a broad audience, including those with disabilities or decreased mobility. Tours move at a leisurely pace with brief periods of standing at tour stops. If entering a building or house, some stairs or inclines may be possible. All outdoors tours are assigned mobility levels between 1-3. If you have questions about a specific tour, please call the Westcott House to inquire with a member of our staff. Virtual tours are available with closed captioning.
Mobility Level 1: Up to 6 blocks walking, mostly flat terrain, paved, stairs not likely. Wheelchair accessible.
Mobility Level 2: May be more than 6 blocks walking, some hills, mostly paved, some stairs possible. Please call or email about wheelchair accessibility.
Mobility Level 3: Considerable walking, various terrains, unpaved areas. All bicycle tours. Please call or email about wheelchair accessibility.