Choose your own virtual adventure in Freedmen’s Town: The Rutherford B H Yates Museum

HOUSTON,TX – You are now at the oldest datable building in Freedmen’s Town, the house built by Elder Yates at 1318 Andrews, this is where young Rutherford Yates grew up, surrounded by stories and dreams.

Fast forward to 1922, and Rutherford, along with his brother Paul, launched the Yates Printing Company—the first Black-owned printing press in Houston! They didn’t just print paper; they gave a voice to the community by publishing influential Black newspapers like the Texas Freedman, Houston Informer, and Houston Defender.

Come along with me and Sharon Fletcher, the executive director of Freedmen’s Town, on this journey!

Your next discovery is just a click away! Explore the map and see what cool places are waiting for you!