Sundown Towns in North Carolina: Uncovering a Troubling Legacy of Racial Exclusion
Sundown towns in North Carolina represent a chilling and often overlooked chapter in the state’s history. These were communities where African Americans and other minorities were systematically excluded after sunset—by law, threats, or violence. Although sundown towns are often associated with the Midwest, numerous documented cases prove they existed across the South, including right here in North Carolina.
What Were Sundown Towns?
Sundown towns in North Carolina—also called sunset towns—were municipalities or neighborhoods that actively enforced racial segregation. They used signage, city ordinances, and acts of intimidation to warn Black residents and travelers to leave town before sundown. The term “sundown town” originates from signs posted at city limits reading, “Don’t let the sun set on you here.”
These towns were part of a national pattern of systemic racism, where exclusion was normalized and often went unchallenged for generations.
Known Sundown Towns in North Carolina
Historically, several towns in North Carolina have been identified as sundown towns through newspaper archives, oral histories, and research studies. Notable examples include:
Carrboro: Once known as a sundown town, Carrboro posed a significant risk to Black people who remained past sunset, especially near the railroad tracks. Named after Julian S. Carr, a vocal white supremacist, the town has since tried to reckon with its past through renaming discussions and community activism.
Mitchell County: In 1899, reports declared that “no negroes are allowed to live or work” in the county, making its sundown status widely known at the time.
Pinebluff: A 1909 article stated that Black individuals were forbidden from staying overnight within city limits. “Negroes are not allowed to live within the corporate limits,” the article reported.
Southern Pines: In 1898, Southern Pines maintained a racially divided structure where Black residents were confined to a separate section called “Jimtown.” They were only tolerated in white areas during the day and expected to behave “quietly and orderly.”
Other towns: Bakersville and Faith have also been listed as potential sundown towns in North Carolina, though more research is needed to confirm the full extent of exclusionary practices.
The Lasting Legacy of Sundown Towns in North Carolina
Although legal segregation is no longer in place, the legacy of sundown towns in North Carolina remains. The lingering effects can be seen in racial disparities in homeownership, education, policing, and local government representation.
Communities that were once sundown towns may still suffer from low minority populations, driven by generational trauma and economic exclusion. Racial profiling, social mistrust, and lack of diversity in leadership can all be traced back to the town’s segregated past.
Acknowledging the Past, Building an Inclusive Future
Acknowledging the history of sundown towns in North Carolina is a vital step toward racial healing. Local initiatives are emerging to address this legacy, including:
Community forums and historical panels
Educational outreach and curriculum changes
Policy proposals focused on equity and inclusion
By understanding and sharing the truth about sundown towns in North Carolina, residents can help dismantle systemic racism and ensure all communities are safe, inclusive, and welcoming—regardless of race.
