Historic Goldsboro Main Street: How the past can be used to create a stronger future

FLORIDA — Historic Goldsboro Main Street has been recognized by the Department of State for its historical significance and contribution to Florida.

“It is important that communities realize their value, leverage their strengths, and build their future by preserving their past,” said Cord Byrd, Secretary of State.

“Historic Goldsboro Main Street is an excellent example of how the past can be used to create a stronger future.”

During the reconstruction era, the Freedmen’s Bureau was established for Black Americans who worked at local railroad yards, farms, produce houses, and ice houses. Goldsboro was settled as a Freedmen’s Bureau community in 1870 and incorporated in 1891.

It is the second oldest Black-founded community in the United States, being established only a few years after nearby Eatonville, said the Department of State.

In 1891, residents of Goldsboro pursued incorporation of the town by publishing notices in the Sanford Journal as early as October 24, 1891. The town was incorporated at noon on December 1, 1891, by merchant William Clark and 19 Black registered voters.

Walter Williams served as Goldsboro’s first mayor until 1892. In 1900, the population of Goldsboro reached 71, and by 1905, the population had increased to 100 people.

According to the Department of State, the surrounding towns had also experienced growth, and on April 6, 1911, the Sanford City Council passed a resolution to annex Goldsboro. The Florida legislature passed the Sanford charter bill dissolving the incorporation of Sanford and Goldsboro and reorganized Sanford as a city that included Goldsboro within its boundaries.

Goldsboro’s identity slowly eroded after losing its charter, the Department of State said. The City of Sanford renamed several of Goldsboro’s historically named streets, further removing its founder’s legacy.

In 2011, the Goldsboro Museum opened at the site of the original Goldsboro post office and exhibits photographs, historical documents, and furniture donated by residents. On February 28, 2013, Lake Avenue was renamed William Clark Avenue to honor the town’s founding father.

In 2001, the Goldsboro Front Porch Council began with a mission to rebuild their neighborhood using asset-based, community-focused, and relationship-driven strategies. On June 1, 2012, the Goldsboro business district, located on 13th Street, was renamed Historic Goldsboro Boulevard, proving that revitalization is well on its way in the Goldsboro Community.

In November 2021, Historic Goldsboro Main Street was accepted into the Florida Main Street program. The program’s goal is to utilize short-term strategies to create community pride and a sense of place while developing more effective long-term strategies to help reestablish the business corridor.

To learn more about the Florida Main Street program, visit FloridaMainStreet.com or Facebook.com/FloridaMainStreet.