Housing and Segregation

Housing has been a significant issue of segregation and inequality in Davidson. The presence of the Davidson railroad, similar to other transportation systems in the southern region, served as a physical divider, separating the town and impacting the quality of its housing opportunities.

In 1949, a fire broke out in Brady's Alley on Main Street, close to the current Davidson Post Office on the side of the college that is situated across the railroad. This fire resulted in the destruction of a substantial portion of the town's low-income rental housing, which was primarily inhabited by black employees of the College.

To address this issue, a solution was devised to construct new housing specifically for African American families, primarily located on the opposite side of the railroad. This marked the earliest attempt at experimenting with affordable housing options within the community, facilitated through federal funding for homeownership. However, critics argue that while this initiative provided newer homes, it also perpetuated segregated neighborhoods.

Cross to the sidewalk on the opposite side of Jackson St.

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