From 1872 until the late 1960s, Rockdale's East Ward supported a vibrant African American business community with upwards of 50 churches and thriving businesses that served both the neighborhood and the surrounding area. Springfield Missionary Church was established in 1872 under the guidance of Rev. Riley Williams shortly after Rockdale was founded, and though its buildings have changed, the congregation still gathers on the same land. Paul Moultry, Rockdale's first blacksmith, operated the town's first Black business on Main Street, and his son Julius (Bose) Moultry later operated a blacksmith shop in Thorndale before returning to Rockdale, where he remained until his death. Miss Bessie Beal was the neighborhood seamstress, and Bessie's Cottage on E 7th Avenue is one of the only remaining original structures in the neighborhood. Miss Alyce P. Shields donated the land and building for the Negro History Library on E 4th Avenue, and after the building was demolished and the land sat vacant for many years, community leaders advocated for the creation of Sumuel Park. The New Aycock building on Baxter Street was erected in 1954, served Black students in Rockdale and many surrounding communities, and is one of the only remaining original structures from this time period.