Look Who it Was Random video

Bowling Green's ShakeRag neighborhood | Kentucky Life | KET

1,883 views · Published 31 July 2013 · 6:34 · Indexed 29 October 2026

Channel: KET - Kentucky Educational Television · 2013 · Education

Watch on YouTube

The ShakeRag neighborhood in Bowling Green, Kentucky was settled by former slaves, families and soldiers who fought for the Union Army during the Civil War. The district grew steadily as the home of the middle-class and professional African-American community in the early 20th century.

The land was donated in 1802 for use as a public square for African American residents. Before the Highway 31 Bypass was built, State Street was part of Dixie Highway. In the days of segregation, the ShakeRag district became a safe refuge for black travelers. The Southern Queen Hotel served black customers who were denied service in white hotels.

Today, walking tours of the district features the elaborate Victorian homes as well as the Arts and Crafts-style bungalows. You can see the site of the first public school for African Americans as well as the State Street Baptist Church, home of the city's oldest African-American congregation.

The name "ShakeRag" is believed to refer to laundry day, when people would shake the laundry and hang it out to dry.

More from this channel