Neighborhood
History and Evolution
After the Civil War, farmland west of Raleigh was sub-divided and lots
were sold to freed African-Americans who quickly established a family
community complete with homes, churches, schools and business places.
The
area became known as Oberlin Village, named for Oberlin College in Ohio,
which had been prominent in the anti-slavery movement. Several important
institutions were established in Oberlin, including Latta University,
which was founded in the late 19th century by Reverend Morgan Latta. The
university ceased operation around 1920 and today only one building remains,
at 1001 Parker Street. Much of the original Oberlin Village gave way to
redevelopment as residential suburbs expanded around Raleigh. Cameron
Village was developed in 1950. Increased enrollment at N.C.S.U. prompted
the razing of housing to construct apartment buildings. Today, most of
the original homes are found in an area extending from Oberlin Road about
four or five blocks west and from Clark Avenue to just north of Wade Avenue.
Efforts to preserve some of the heritage of Oberlin Village have resulted
in several buildings and houses being designated as Raleigh Historic Landmarks.
The
area became known as Oberlin Village, named for Oberlin College in Ohio,
which had been prominent in the anti-slavery movement. Several important
institutions were established in Oberlin, including Latta University,
which was founded in the late 19th century by Reverend Morgan Latta. The
university ceased operation around 1920 and today only one building remains,
at 1001 Parker Street. Much of the original Oberlin Village gave way to
redevelopment as residential suburbs expanded around Raleigh. Cameron
Village was developed in 1950. Increased enrollment at N.C.S.U. prompted
the razing of housing to construct apartment buildings. Today, most of
the original homes are found in an area extending from Oberlin Road about
four or five blocks west and from Clark Avenue to just north of Wade Avenue.
Efforts to preserve some of the heritage of Oberlin Village have resulted
in several buildings and houses being designated as Raleigh Historic Landmarks.
