The 1956 National Interstate and Defense Highways Act impacted lives and cities across the United States by constructing what we now call the Interstate Highway system. Planners of the system routed some highways, often purposely, through vulnerable neighborhoods occupied by people of color. Once thriving and full neighborhoods, these communities were split and, in some cases, even fully demolished for these urban highways.

The Ghost Neighborhoods of Columbus project examines how these decisions transformed Columbus and its historic African American communities. To provide deeper historical context, in partnership with Ohio History Connection and Columbus Metropolitan Library, CURA developed three interactive StoryMaps focused on Poindexter Village, Hanford Village, and Mount Vernon Avenue. Through archival research, oral histories, maps, photographs, and digital reconstructions, these StoryMaps explore the people, places, and communities that shaped African American life in Columbus.

Select a StoryMap below to begin exploring.