Columbus Neighborhoods: The Story of Pleasant Litchford

Pleasant Litchford and his family, all freed slaves, settled in Perry Township, Ohio, now Upper Arlington, in 1832. A blacksmith by profession, he eventually became the fourth-largest landowner in the area. By the early 1900s, restrictive covenants barred people of color from living in neighborhoods across the country. Later, the remains of the Litchfords and other African-American residents were uprooted and moved to unmarked graves - as if to erase their roles in the community's history.
Photos courtesy of: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Doreen Uhas Sauer, Franklin County Engineer's Office, Franklin County Recorder's Office, Jarrod Burks, Second Baptist Church, University District Organization and Upper Arlington Historical Society

[@MrJscardina]

This interest me so deeply. A story that has been long lost for decades finally coming to light. I hope more of this story is posted and we find out where some of the wealth has gone too.

[@mdunn24959]

What an awesome historical discovery! I hope to learn more about these pioneers!

[@IamAdrianScottt]

I feel like I’ve been apart of it all

[@UpperArlingtonJulyParade]

Interesting that people of color were barred from land owned by a wealthy upstanding gentleman of color. I am very interested in learning more about their history. I would very much like to see a plaque or statue erected to signify the history of these people.

[@WOSUColumbus]

columbusneighborhoods.org/story/family-ties-connect-stories-of-black-history-makers-across-the-country/

[@torrycornett5636]

Amazing work! Please share where can find more!