King-Lincoln Bronzeville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
King-Lincoln Bronzeville
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Neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio
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| Country | United States |
| State | Ohio |
| County | Franklin |
| City | Columbus |
King-Lincoln Bronzeville is a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio. It has a very important history for African Americans. The city of Columbus is working to make the area even better with new projects.
The people who lived here first called it Bronzeville. Later, the city changed its name to King-Lincoln District. This was to honor the King Arts Complex and Lincoln Theatre. Both places are very important to the district's history. In 2009, the neighborhood association asked for the name Bronzeville to be used again. This was to remember its original history.
Contents
History
The story of King-Lincoln Bronzeville began in the 1800s. People who were once enslaved and found freedom settled in Columbus. Many Black families moved east to find jobs. They worked in homes or factories. Over time, the community grew to cover the area we know today.
More Black people moved to Bronzeville after World War I. This was part of the Great Migration. Rules that kept Black families from living in certain areas also helped Bronzeville grow. It became the most populated African American neighborhood in Columbus.
By the 1930s, Bronzeville was a thriving community. It had many Black-owned businesses and services. It was a lively place for entertainment. There were four theaters and many jazz clubs. The community also had its own hospitals, schools, and churches. Important civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. visited the district in the 1950s and 1960s.
In 1962, things started to change for Bronzeville. The building of I-71 cut the neighborhood in half. This highway is now the western edge of the district. Also, new rules allowed Black families to move to other parts of Columbus. Many middle and upper-class Black families moved to the suburbs. Businesses left, and the neighborhood faced challenges.
In 2001, the City of Columbus started the King-Lincoln District Plan. This plan aimed to improve the area. It helped renovate the King Arts Complex and the Long Street bridge. New homes and shops were also built. The city continues to focus on making this historic district a great place to live and visit.
Community Helpers
Many groups helped the district grow and succeed. They supported businesses, education, and community life. Groups like the Long Street Business Association and the Bronzeville Neighborhood Association have worked hard. They help keep the historic district alive and improve it.
Where is it?
The King-Lincoln neighborhood has clear boundaries. Broad Street is to the South. 20th Street is to the East. Atcheson Street is to the North. I-71 is to the West. The district's size has changed over time as Columbus has grown. It is part of the Near East side of Columbus. It is near downtown Columbus, Old Towne East, and the Mount Vernon neighborhood.
Cool Places to See
Lincoln Theatre
The Lincoln Theatre is a historic place for performances. It has 582 seats and is at 769 E. Long Street. It opened in 1928 and was first called "The Ogden Theatre." It was a center for fun and community life. In 1939, it became the Lincoln Theatre. It was a popular movie theater and a famous spot for jazz music.
Long Street Bridge and Cultural Wall
The Long Street Bridge goes over I-71. It connects the Discovery District and King-Lincoln District for people walking. The bridge has a 240-foot cultural wall. Local artists Kojo Kamau and Larry Winston Collins designed it. The mural has 60 panels with 139 images. These images show the lively history of the King-Lincoln District.
Second Baptist Church
Second Baptist Church was finished in 1824. It is the first Black Baptist church in Columbus, Ohio. The church is located at 186 N 17th St. Pastor James Preston Poindexter was a pastor there in 1858. He was known for helping people escape slavery. His work for civil rights helped shape the King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhoods.
The King Arts Complex
The King Arts Complex opened in 1987. It offers many cultural and educational programs. These programs share the important contributions of African Americans. The King Arts Complex is a key part of the King-Lincoln District's growth. It is also a great place for cultural and learning activities.
Places to Eat and Have Fun
Mayme Moore Park
Mayme Moore Park is 2.30 acres big. It is at 240 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The park is next to The King Arts Complex. It is the most popular park in the Bronzeville King-Lincoln District. It is a place for community events and celebrations. The park hosts a Free Jazz Series every summer. People can enjoy jazz music and family activities for free.
Lincoln Cafe
Lincoln Cafe opened in 2007. It is at 740 E. Long Street. It used to be called Zanzibar Brews. The name changed to fit the Lincoln District theme. It is a coffeehouse and bar with food like soups and sandwiches. On weekends, it has live jazz and open mic poetry. The cafe's coffee is known for its island spices.
The Creole Kitchen
The Creole Kitchen opened in 2006. Chef Henry Butcher, from Louisiana, started it. He is a well-known chef in Columbus. The Creole Kitchen is a take-out spot. It serves real Creole food. You can find dishes like crawfish etoufee and seafood jambalaya. It is located at 1052 Mt. Vernon Plaza.
The Cana Bar
Cana Bar is a family-owned bar. It has been serving drinks, food, and live music since 1962. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, live bands play. They also serve fish, chicken, and fries from Hick's Catering Service at 8 PM. The bar is at 859 East Long Street.
Gallery
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The historic Lincoln Theatre
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St. Clair Hospital
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Historic Homes along Hamilton Park
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Rowhouses
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King Arts Complex
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Second Baptist Church
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Lincoln Cafe
Images for kids
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Remaining building at Poindexter Village
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Second Baptist Church
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Ohio State East Hospital
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