The 500 block of East Nash Street is justly remembered as the 20th century epicenter of Wilson’s African-American-owned businesses. However, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Black entrepreneurs and tradespeople also operated across the tracks. As Wilson’s downtown experiences a resurgence, let’s rediscover and celebrate these pioneering men and women.

Check in each Sunday for the latest in the Historic Black Business Series!

Columbus E. Artis opened his eating house in a space formerly occupied by James Thomas Teachey, a building contractor/carpenter who briefly tried his hand at the lunch counter business.

Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory (1908).

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, March 2024.