The Long Black Line tour goes to five historic sites in Jasper County Texas. Each was a Freedom Colony, as defined by Thad Sitton’s book Freedom Colonies which described over 500 communities in Texas and over 5,000 across the United States that African Americans created after Emancipation in 1865.
Freedom Colonies were places freed slaves built churches, cemeteries, schools and industries. This is also where they bought land even though many had little or no money. Many of these Freedom Colonies have been depopulated as the descendents left these communities to create new lives in an urban and suburban America.
These communities were not designed to support a 20th and 21st century world. Yet when we look back at when these were vibrant communities we recognize a spirit of freedom, self determination, selflessness and sacrifice which cannot be forgotten and which we are trying to replicate in our fast moving lives.
These Freedom Colonies were the model of community as we define it today. Come see the remnant of these five east Texas communities and feel the spirit of freedom.
The artifacts and remnants of these communities are in the form of Rosenwald Schools, historic churches, cemeteries and homes. Come spend a day exploring these communities. Understand how these people lived and what happened to them. Learn how these communities are a starting point in history for millions of Americans today.
Come experience a unique American story that speaks to the American dream we all share.
Herman Wright Jr., a Jasper County native, will be your guide as we caravan to these five historic sites.
If you are a contributor at the “Visionary or Fellows” level or if you are an “Institutional” contributor to The Long Black Line.Org please call the phone number above or email Herman Wright at herman_wright@thelongblackline.org for instructions regarding your accommodations and travel.
Enjoy your trip into a proud history. We hope this will be a revelation to you, your friends and your family.
Next Available Tour
When: Saturday, February 25, 2012
Time: 10am to 2:30pm
Depart From: The Tour starts at the Jasper County Historical Museum at 165 North Main, Jasper Texas (on the Court House Square). The tour will cover approximately 70 miles of driving roundtrip. A tour brochure with itinerary is available by calling the Jasper County Museum at 409 384 6666. Brochures will also be available at the tour.
We will break for lunch midway through the tour. We will stop for lunch. Bring water and any snacks you prefer. Dependable bathroom facilities will be at the restaurant. Dress appropriately for the weather.
Call 818.317.8039 to sign up!
Directions
From: Houston, TX
To: The Wright Brother’s Ranch
CR 533
Mt. Union, TX
Take US 59 N (approx 60 mi) then take US 59 Business ramp to Livingston/Woodville (2.3 mi). Turn right on US 190 (33 mi). Turn right onto US 69 S (approx 10 mi). Turn left onto FM 1013 (21.3 mi). Turn right at CR 533, travel down dirt road for .5 mi and you have arrived at the ‘Wright Brother’s Ranch’.
From: The Wright Brother’s Ranch
To: Houston, TX
Travel down CR 533. Turn left onto FM 1013 (21.3 mi). Turn right heading North onto US 69 (approx 10 mi) in Woodville. Turn left on US 190 (33 mi) towards Livingston. In Livingston turn left onto US 59 Business ramp. Take US 59 S (approx. 60 mi) towards Houston.
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We will be introducing a new story of "The Frazier Sisters". James
and Rachel Frazier were born in 1819 and 1824 in Virginia. Many of
those buried in the historic Springhill Cemetery are descendants of
James and Rachel's three daughters. Many of the Rosenwald Schools in
Jasper County are the result of their descendant's efforts. Jasper
County has among the highest concentration of these historic schools
still standing in the state of Texas. We invite you to come and
experience the tour.
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