The Bottoms Community, African-American Businesses, and Urban Renewal

Following emancipation at the end of the Civil War, this part of town became a thriving African American community that included both neighborhoods as well as numerous businesses—many of which remained open until the mid-twentieth century. However, due to the passage of the National Housing Act of 1949 and plans for the city’s urban renewal that followed, this community was ultimately pushed out and displaced as many of the homes and businesses were razed in order to create space the Murfreesboro City Hall.

While the positive effects of urban renewal and development are prominently visible around Murfreesboro’s public square, the history of the Bottoms community helps to remind us that urban renewal is not equally beneficial to everyone. In looking at the history of Murfreesboro’s growth in recent years, this history should be acknowledged.