The African American New London Road community can be traced back to 1786 when free black families began settling in the area. The community clustered around New London Road and was bounded by Cleveland Avenue to the south and Corbit and Ray Streets to the north. At a time when African Americans were not welcomed in businesses on Main Street, the community was self-sufficient. Residents owned and operated many businesses including a barbershop, gas station, pool hall, convenience store/co-op, hair salons, and an ice cream parlor. Children attended the New London Avenue School until it closed in 1958.

NCC-245: Installed in 2019.

Location:

SE Corner of intersection of W. Cleveland Avenue and New London Road (near 111 W. Cleveland Ave) Newark, DE 19711

 

Links to more resources:

• UD Special Collections Finding Aid – New London Road
• UD Oral Histories and Research Material
• Introduction to the New London Road Community – University of Delaware
• New London Road district historical information sign
• Demolitions make way for student housing as historic center of Newark’s black community
• New London Road Walking Tour: a glimpse into Newark’s history – the Review
• Festival, historical marker will celebrate legacy of Newark’s African-American community – Newark Post