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Former African-American enclave in Va. honored

By WTOP Staff

BERRYVILLE, Va. (AP) — Virginia is recognizing a community established in the early 1870s by former slaves and free African-Americans.

A state historical marker will pay homage to Josephine City in a section of Berryville in northwest Virginia. The dedication of the marker on Saturday will be ahead of a tour of 20 historic sites along Josephine Street. That was the original main street of Josephine City.

Two dozen formerly enslaved African Americans established Josephine City. They purchased 31 one-acre lots for $100 each.

By 1900, Josephine City had become an oasis for Clarke County African Americans. It featured a school, a grocery, gas station, restaurant and churches.

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