Portsmouth’s Black History Listings

Learn more about Black History in Portsmouth by visiting Truxton, the United State’s first wartime government housing project constructed exclusively for African-American residents. Make sure you stop by one of the historically black churches or cemeteries, and take a virtual tour to discover Portsmouth’s role in the Underground Railroad. Learn more about heroes and historic events that shaped the lives of Portsmouth’s African Americans by taking the Heroes and History walk.

Discover Portsmouth as it was originally conceptualized & planned. Portsmouth & Norfolk share the Elizabeth River waterfront and were both part of Norfolk County until 1858. Click through the images above to see how Olde Towne continued to evolve over the years.
Discover Portsmouth as it was originally conceptualized & planned. Portsmouth & Norfolk share the Elizabeth River waterfront and were both part of Norfolk County until 1858. Click through the images above to see how Olde Towne continued to evolve over the years.
Discover Portsmouth as it was originally conceptualized & planned. Portsmouth & Norfolk share the Elizabeth River waterfront and were both part of Norfolk County until 1858. Click through the images above to see how Olde Towne continued to evolve over the years.
Discover Portsmouth as it was originally conceptualized & planned. Portsmouth & Norfolk share the Elizabeth River waterfront and were both part of Norfolk County until 1858. Click through the images above to see how Olde Towne continued to evolve over the years.
Discover Portsmouth as it was originally conceptualized & planned. Portsmouth & Norfolk share the Elizabeth River waterfront and were both part of Norfolk County until 1858. Click through the images above to see how Olde Towne continued to evolve over the years.
Discover Portsmouth as it was originally conceptualized & planned. Portsmouth & Norfolk share the Elizabeth River waterfront and were both part of Norfolk County until 1858. Click through the images above to see how Olde Towne continued to evolve over the years.

Historic Black Heroes

African Americans from Portsmouth made significant contributions to the early and present history of the city, region, and nation. Their influences and contributions are traced from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, both World Wars, through segregation and all the way through today!  The people of Portsmouth added greatly to the fields of education, journalism, arts and culture, sports, politics, national security, and much more.

William Billy Flora Monument
AME Church with sign showing built in 1772

Historic Black Churches

Portsmouth has one of the oldest black churches and congregations in the country, dating back to 1772. One of these even played a vital role in helping enslaved African Americans escape north along the underground Railroad, and you can still see a few of the passageways and hiding spots today!

Historic Black Cemeteries

Cemeteries play a big part in history and learning, and Portsmouth’s historic cemeteries has a few of the more famous black Americans buried here. To name a few, this is the former enslaved-turned-newspaper-columnist Jeffrey Wilson, the educator I.C. Norcom, namesake for the I.C. Norcom High School here in Portsmouth, and even child rights advocate Ida Barbour.

image of a historical marker with text about Mt Calvary Cemetery Portsmouth va.
Explore Black Historical Sites
Discover Your New Favorite Restaurant

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Browse the Shops Along High Street

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Tour the Public Art Installations

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Explore Historic Museums

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Find Out More from the Business Association

Learn more about Olde Towne, see upcoming events, and more on the Olde Towne Business Association website.

OLDE TOWNE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION