The South Carolina African American Heritage Commission (SCAAHC) has a resource called The Green Book of SC, a website that allows you to find over 300 African American historic landmarks, making it the first mobile travel guide for black cultural sites across the state.
The purpose of the website is to increase awareness of African American tourism destinations + to encourage people to immerse themselves in the rich history of our state.
So, why is it called The Green Book?
Well, the title actually pays homage to the original Green Books. In the 1930s, a NY mail carrier named Victor Green began creating guides called, “The Negro Motorist Green Book” to help African Americans travel without fear. These books listed safe hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other travel accommodations that would welcome black patrons.
They were even described as, “the bible of every Negro highway traveler… you literally didn’t dare leave home without it.”
Green Books were popular for almost 30 years. Publication ceased shortly after the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964 and racial segregation in hotels, restaurants and other public places was banned.
There are 11 sites in Greenville, and over 50 in the Upstate. Here are a few in the area:
The Harlem Hell Fighters historical marker, W.O. Ezell Hwy. & Westgate Mall Dr., Spartanburg
In 1917, a volunteer National Guard unit of black soldiers from NY were sent to Camp Wadsworth in Spartanburg for training. Local white residents feared this would lead to racial violence, so the soldiers were sent back to NY + then to France – where they were stationed at the front for 191 days, longer than any American unit in World War I.
Charles H. Duckett House, 105 Downs St., Laurens
Charles Duckett was a successful carpenter, contractor + lumber dealer. For many years, he owned the only lumberyard in Laurens in addition to operating a funeral home. Duckett was also known for his participation in civic affairs. The house, which is also on the National Register of Historic Places, is a strong display of his carpentry + construction skills.
The Lynching of Willie Earle historical marker, Old Easley Rd. & Bramlett Rd., Greenville
In 1947, a white cab driver was found mortally wounded. Willie Earle, an African American man who was believed to be his last passenger, was being held at Pickens County Jail when a white mob abducted + lynched him. 26 men confessed to being part of the mob but were all acquitted. This is the last recorded lynching in South Carolina. The historical marker was actually stolen shortly after it was installed in 2010. In the last few years, groups have been working to replace + reinstall it.
You can find over 300 locations using The Green Book website, here.
