In this series, which will post on occasional Wednesdays, I populate the landscape of Wilson County with imaginary “historical markers” commemorating people, places, and events significant to African-American history or culture.

We been here.

GRIFFIN HILL

With adjacent New Grabneck community, developed circa 1920 for black landowners displaced from Grabneck community on W. Nash St. by real estate developers. In late 1950s, area cleared for low-income housing project for white residents. 

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Griffin Hill was two long blocks running between present-day Parkview and Jefferson Streets west of Hominy Swamp.

Wilson Daily Times, 18 November 1959.

Wilson Daily Times, 23 June 1961.

As seen via Google Maps, Griffin Hill today is largely occupied by the Forrest Road Homes housing project.