Preserving Royal's History

About This Project

Summary

These works highlight a Black community's effort to save its land, culture and history. After a Florida Department of Transportation turnpike extension right through Royal, Florida was derailed, several plots of agricultural land were rezoned for industrial use. Then, a small minority of white landowners opposed including their properties in the community’s bid to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places - a move endorsed by almost all of Royal’s 1,200 Black residents.

Goals & Objectives

The larger battle has been to get Royal’s historic importance recognized by state and federal authorities. Royal for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. If the park service approves the application, Royal would become the first such rural district in Florida.

Results & Impact

The SPLC submitted two petitions to the National Park Service contesting procedural and substantive deficiencies in the state’s treatment of the nomination. The National Park Service, which administers the Register, has agreed with the SPLC twice, most recently in April. The fight is ongoing.