Fishtown And The Wharf Historic Districts
From a historical perspective, “The Wharf” is a sub-area of Downtown Culpeper, located at the lower end of E. Davis Street. Around 1900, this area was known for its busy shipping activity, commercial businesses, churches, hotels, restaurants, and services. These businesses were predominately owned and operated by Black Americans. To the south of the Wharf is the historical area known as “Fishtown”, which occupied Commerce Street, Waters Place and Locust Street. “Fishtown” got its name from Friday and Saturday fish fries on open fires. Businessmen in this area were sought after for their goods, services and talents, with thriving businesses and shops. Although several homes existed in the area of Fishtown, the majority of blacks resided in nearby enclaves, such as Tin Cup Alley (E. Spencer Street), Whipple Alley (E. Chandler Street), Slabtown (Old Fredericksburg Road), Jeffrey Town (N. Commerce St.) and Sugar Bottom (West St./Locust St.)
