Throughout the history of our city, African-Americans have played a significant role in its growth and development. The various individuals, landmarks, churches, schools and structures are living testimonials of the proud achievements of the Black citizens of Columbus. Along the trail you will come across many significant people and places, below are a few highlights:
Horace King- Born a slave in South Carolina on September 8, 1807. He rose to become the most respected bridge builder in west Georgia, Alabama, and northeast Mississippi from the 1830s until the 1880s, having constructed more than 100 massive town lattice truss bridges over nearly every major river in Georgia and neighboring states. He is credited with building the magnificent self-supported wooden staircase that is still one of he most outstanding features of the Alabama Capitol building in Montgomery, where he would serve four years in the Alabama State Legislature following the Civil War.
Ma Rainey Home- On the National Historic Register, this is the last home where Gertrude "Ma Rainey" Pridgett resided. Known as "The Mother of Blues," she received the 1993 Women of Achievement Award and was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
St. James A.M.E. Church- On the National Historic Register, this site was given to the African Methodist church by an act of the Georgia Legislature in 1875. The church houses hte second oldest pipe organ in the state. The doors of the church were hand-carved by slaves.
The Liberty Theatre- On the National Historic Register, in 1924 this theatre was build for African-Americans by the Martin Family. It was a place for movies and a social gathering place. It served as a stop for entertainers like Lena Horne, Ethel Walters, Ella Fitzgerald and Cab Calloway.
For more information on our Black Heritage Trail or to receive our Black Heritage Guide please visit our website.

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