About Us:

Washington Street is recognized by the National Park Service as a National Register District. Across the state, the street is recognized as one of the best-preserved segregation-era neighborhoods among larger cities.

Dating back as early as 1893, Washington Street quickly became a hub for black life with the creation of High Point Normal and Industrial Institute, a school for black students. The school was later renamed William Penn High School where scholars like Booker T. Washington and poets like Langston Hughes came to speak.

The street was home to black doctors, dentists, and High Point`s first black-owned hotel, opened by Willis Hinton — a freed slave. The Ritz Theatre was also a big attraction to Washington Street along with the Kilby Hotel where many celebrities and well-known artists stayed when visiting. The street also played a big role during the Civil Rights movement.

Our Mission:

To encourage businesses and professionals to work together in a planned manner with both the Association and the City of High Point to advance the economic well being of the Washington Street Historic Disrtict and the surrounding communities.

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