Walking Tour of Uniontown, Staunton VA | 150 Years of African-American History | Shenandoah Valley

In the eastern portion of Staunton, Virginia, the Uniontown neighborhood lies hidden behind the commercial properties along Richmond Avenue (US 250). Many are unaware of its story, encompassing over 150 years of African American history in the Shenandoah Valley. On October 28, 2023, the outdoor event "Honoring Uniontown" was held by Building Bridges For The Greater Good, a non-profit community organization in Staunton, Virginia. The day's events included exhibits, conversations with neighbors, and a walking tour of historic Uniontown.

Founded in the Reconstruction era by newly-freed African Americans, Uniontown was once a thriving place for families who found support in times of great struggle. However, numerous factors contributed to Uniontown's long, steady decline. Today, the current version of Uniontown is the product of decades of disinvestment by the City of Staunton (which annexed Uniontown in 1948 and 1986), mismatched land use regulations, and other variables. In recent years, the city began to refocus on Uniontown, listing it as one of its priority areas. Using ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding, City Council commissioned a Uniontown Neighborhood Action Plan process in 2022. The City, working with consultants from EPR, P.C., partnered with a Steering Committee of residents, property owners, and other stakeholders to create the Uniontown Neighborhood Action Plan and its 19 recommended actions. This effort was the first holistic planning process for the Uniontown neighborhood since its founding.

The 2007 historical study “Old Uniontown–Glances Backwards" by Dr. Julius W. Gaines, Jr is available for downloading and viewing: https://discoveryvirginia.org/old-uni...

The Uniontown Neighborhood Action Plan and Uniontown Water and Sewer Study is available on the Staunton city website: https://www.ci.staunton.va.us/governm...

The images of the Bodley Wagon Works appeared in The Daily News Leader on March 30, 1993.