Georgetown
The community of Georgetown, a suburb east of Sanford Avenue, and north of Celery Avenue was established circa 1870. It was comprised of lots sold by Henry Sanford to the early black pioneers who had made their way from Virginia, the Carolinas, West Florida and as far away as the West Indies.
In 1885, the first Georgetown school was located at the northeast corner of Seventh and Cypress Avenue. It was founded with $100 from the school board. Mr. McLester was the first principal, followed by Mr. Reed and later by Mr. J. N. Crooms, who founded Crooms Academy.
Some of the first Sanford businesses owned by black settlers were in Tuckertown, which would later become the business district of Georgetown. In 1887, there were twenty-eight registered voters. Between 1887 and 1923 Georgetown supported five barbers, a blacksmith, a butcher, a dentist, five dress makers, two draymen, seven farmers, a general store, three dry goods and millinery, five hand laundries, three insurance agents, a jeweler, seven medical doctors, two pharmacists, five postal workers, three realtors, three restaurant owners, five taxi drivers, a theater, undertakers, and many churches. Circa 1915, families began to move out of the area for opportunities elsewhere.
Family roots were planted and today the properties of many early settlers are still owned by the second and third generations. This community bonded families and persons into building a neighborhood for the future.
Georgetown's landmarks include St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed by Tuskeegee trained builder Prince W. Spears.
Marker is on Pine Avenue north of Celery Avenue (County Road 415), on the right when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
