The Historic Heart of South Dallas: Queen City
Within the heart of South Dallas, is perhaps the most significant historic district, the Queen City district. This remarkable neighborhood stands as a testament to the legacy of the early African American settlers who established their community here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. DCH would like to share some of the history of Queen City, in advance of our National Night Out, October 3, 2023. Exploring this historic journey and the importance of Queen City helps preserve it and empowers future generations.
Queen City Beginnings
After the Civil War, the land that now includes Queen City was predominantly settled by white farmers, who cultivated cotton. Over time, the population increased as smaller farms replaced the vast cotton fields. African American families began moving into the area, establishing homes and churches and transitioning to gardening, which led to their successful integration into the farming community. The roots of Queen City's African American heritage trace back to the pre-suburban development era.
There was an effort to develop the area exclusively for African Americans beginning around 1904, when the region's large cotton farms were subdivided for residential development. African American families had already settled in the area by this time and notable residents and entrepreneurs emerged, including Bohny Gaston, Louis Warren, Dallas Calloway, and Elijah J. Davis.
A development boom swept South Dallas in the early 20th century, catalyzed by a resurgence in construction following economic depressions in the late 19th century. As the local economy recovered, new suburban housing tracts began to emerge, particularly along major streetcar lines. Queen City and its adjacent additions were no exception. Notable additions include Bermuda Lawn, Rosedale, Queen City Heights, Oak Grove, and Elberta, all of which were developed for African American families.
Suburban Boom
By 1905, Queen City had become a thriving African American community. Community institutions emerged first, in the form of African American churches and schools. Romine Avenue Christian Church dates back to 1874, while St. Paul's AME Church was established in 1898 on Central Avenue. South Park Colored School No. 2, an African American suburban school, operated in the area in 1898. The neighborhoods of Queen City Heights, Rosedale, Oak Grove, and Bermuda Lawn attracted working-class African American families from various parts of Dallas. The Elberta Addition, located just a few blocks south, also contributed to this growing community and these early institutions underscore the depth of the African American community's roots in the region.
The community's cultural heritage is largely celebrated through its churches, businesses, and schools. The presence of establishments like the Hayden Store, owned and operated by H.D. Hayden, exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit of Queen City residents. For those that are curious, one noteworthy building in the district is the circa 1925 Hayden Store (3737 Atlanta), which has become a symbol of success and entrepreneurship within the African American community. This store was not just a place of commerce but also a local landmark.
Preserving and Empowering Queen City
Queen City stands as an architecturally significant collection of early 20th-century domestic and commercial buildings, which are protected and are witnesses to the history of African American contributions in South Dallas, but the name "Queen City" represents more. This neighborhood served as the epicenter of South Dallas' African-American suburban community, hosting historic churches, schools, and businesses, and continues to act as an epicenter. Community driven institutions laid the foundation for the community's growth and prosperity, and we hope that National Night Out can be a time to build trust and forge new relationships between law enforcement, the Queen City neighborhood association, and the Queen City community that we strengthen the community even more.
Preserving Queen City District is not just a matter of protecting historic buildings but safeguarding the collective memory of a community that played a vital role in shaping the social and cultural fabric of Dallas. By doing so, we ensure that future generations can connect with the cultural heritage and significance of Queen City. We are very excited to help spread this message and ignite more interest in Queen City during our National Night Out. We hope you will join us and continue to spread the message of Queen City.
