Visit Orange County Highlights Black History Month Attractions and Stories
By: Orange County Tourism Department
In celebration of Black History Month, the Orange County Tourism Department encourages visitors and residents to check out some of the incredible attractions and locations to be found right here in Orange County. Section titles are linked to direct readers to further information about the topic.
New Edna Lewis Historical Marker
Edna Lewis, known as the Grande Dame of Southern Cooking and the person most responsible for putting the “ slow food ” movement on the culinary map was born and raised in Freetown, a freedman ’ s community here in Orange County, Virginia. Lewis authored three groundbreaking cookbooks and is credited with bringing the culture and heritage of African American and Southern Cuisine to the world. In recognition of her impacts, she was the recipient of an honorary Ph.D. in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University and the James Beard Living Legend Award! On April 13 of last year, a new highway marker was dedicated to her life and memory. It is located near 14311 Marquis Road, Unionville, VA 22567.
Gordonsville, VA - Fried Chicken Capital of the Universe
Gordonsville became a railroad stop and a hot spot for commerce in the 1840s. Used during the Civil War and throughout the century, the railroad stop put Gordonsville on the map in a memorable way, but the entrepreneurship that followed made it unforgettable. After the Civil War, African American women were promised freedom, with the same rights afforded to other Americans, but the reality was quite different. Having little money, limited or no access to education, African American women in Gordonsville had to create their own opportunities. Putting their culinary talents together, the entrepreneurs prepared fried chicken and other Southern favorites and sold the food to passengers through the
train windows.
Their approach was creative and tactical, requiring mutual support and lots of coordination. In time, their Southern comforts went viral, and Gordonsville was declared the “ Fried Chicken Capital of the Universe. ”
African American Historical Society Commemorative Park
Dedicated on Juneteenth 2022, The Commemorative Park project was spearheaded by the Orange County African American Historical Society and serves to bring renewed recognition to the unique history and vibrant culture of Orange ’ s historic African American commercial and residential district.
Features of the Commemorative Park include a picturesque walkway, beautiful landscaping, and most importantly, several interpretive panels providing insight into the African American experience in this area. These informative panels feature QR codes which connect the physical location to OCAAHS digital resources. The park is located at the corner of Church and Chapman streets in the Town of Orange.
Page 9 | February 2025
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