Black History

ACCORD Freedom Trail

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was contested in Congress until televised demonstrations in St. Augustine pushed legislators over the edge. Local activists risked their lives and some lost their jobs and homes to make it happen. That story is illustrated through a series of local landmarks called the ACCORD Freedom Trail. The Trail was created by the 40th ACCORD organization and sponsored by The Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Brochures for the Freedom Trail's self-guided tour are available at the St. Augustine Visitor Information Center in downtown, St. Augustine.

40th ACCORD

Visit the ACCORD website.

The 40th ACCORD (Anniversary to Commemorate the Civil Rights Demonstrations), Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 2003. The group has sponsored many events to commemorate the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement of St. Augustine, Florida. Their mission is:

"Remembering, Recognizing, and Honoring all those who risked their lives to attain civil rights for all and celebrating St. Augustine's
pivotal role in the Civil Rights Act of 1964."

Dr. Hayling's Dental Office

79 Bridge Street

Dr. Robert Hayling has been called the "father" of St. Augustine's civil rights movement. In his dental office, he coordinated demonstrations and provided office space for out-of-town lawyers and leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Lincolnville Public Library

97 M. L. King Avenue

The Lincolnville Public library was one of the training camps for civil rights activists. Here, Reverend Thomas Wright trained college students in nonviolent techniques before they began sitting-in at local lunch counters.

Willie Galimore's House

57 Chapin Street

Willie Galimore, St. Augustine's most famous athlete, returned here to help with his hometown's civil rights movement. As a Chicago Bears NFL star, he became the first black registered guest at a white-only hotel local demonstrators had been protesting.

Janie Price's House

156 M.L. King Avenue

Like many locals, Janie Price offered her home to civil rights activists who came from out of town to support St. Augustine. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his colleague stayed here the night before their demonstration and arrest at the Monson Motor Lodge.

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