Fayette Street

Since the late 19th century, Fayette Street has been a gateway to the business, social, and cultural life of African Americans here. Institutions such as Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, founded in 1870, St. Mary’s Hospital, active from 1926 to 1952, Piedmont Christian Institute, active from 1900 to 1934, and Imperial Savings and Loan, founded in 1929, were pillars of this community. A part of the street known as Baldwin’s Block, from the 1920s to the 1960s, represented the entrepreneurial spirit of the people. Dr. Dana O. Baldwin and his brothers founded the June German Ball, which was held at a number of venues here. This annual musical and dance festival hosted world-renowned African American musicians who played to regional audiences.

Martinsville, Virginia · United States