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�3 / 'r 1y _ Attachment 4 A COMMUNITY REMOVED ooking north from this location we see a park setting with the Orange County judicial complex in the distance. Yet, this view has changed significantly in the last 150 years. A vibrant neighborhood once existed here. Spring daffodils still mark the locations of the former homes of a community of African Americans. After the Civil War, local freed African Americans formed their own communities and churches, settling near the Eno River. In 1866, under the leadership of Alfred E. Bright, black citizens of Hillsborough organized a Baptist church near this location at the south end of Churton Street Later the church was renamed Mount Bright to honor its founder and first pastor, and today is located on Union Street. A parsonage, cobbler business, funeral home and boarding house for local teachers were important local livelihoods. Former residents still remember that life along the river included exploring and fishing. When the river flooded its banks, residents remember needing to anchor their structures to the trees. The community remained in existence until the Churton Street Bridge was built A fma generation gathering at "Down Home " on a typical Sunday with Browder, Goldsby, and Shanklin family members. in the 1960s. The bridge project changed the entrance to Hillsborough and resulted in increased traffic along Churton Street. The construction displaced the long - established homes and families of the African American residents who cherished their location and lives by the river. "Down Home", the home of Alfred and Isla Browder, sat next to the Eno River. It was the hub of community activities. The porch was always full of neighbors and friends. Painting by Gerald Sbanklin. 4 P �r 'r 1y _ Attachment 4 A COMMUNITY REMOVED ooking north from this location we see a park setting with the Orange County judicial complex in the distance. Yet, this view has changed significantly in the last 150 years. A vibrant neighborhood once existed here. Spring daffodils still mark the locations of the former homes of a community of African Americans. After the Civil War, local freed African Americans formed their own communities and churches, settling near the Eno River. In 1866, under the leadership of Alfred E. Bright, black citizens of Hillsborough organized a Baptist church near this location at the south end of Churton Street Later the church was renamed Mount Bright to honor its founder and first pastor, and today is located on Union Street. A parsonage, cobbler business, funeral home and boarding house for local teachers were important local livelihoods. Former residents still remember that life along the river included exploring and fishing. When the river flooded its banks, residents remember needing to anchor their structures to the trees. The community remained in existence until the Churton Street Bridge was built A fma generation gathering at "Down Home " on a typical Sunday with Browder, Goldsby, and Shanklin family members. in the 1960s. The bridge project changed the entrance to Hillsborough and resulted in increased traffic along Churton Street. The construction displaced the long - established homes and families of the African American residents who cherished their location and lives by the river. "Down Home", the home of Alfred and Isla Browder, sat next to the Eno River. It was the hub of community activities. The porch was always full of neighbors and friends. Painting by Gerald Sbanklin.