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Sugar Bottom

Written By: Theresa Meeker Pickett

Sugar Bottom, a historic neighborhood in Culpeper, Virginia, is located along West Street, nestled between Antioch Baptist Church and Culpeper Baptist Church. The area earned its charming name from a natural spring once renowned for its sweet waters, which served as a vital resource for both Black and white residents of the town. Although the spring is no longer accessible, its legacy lives on through the neighborhood’s name.

West Street Culpeper Baptist Church
West Street – Culpeper Baptist Church

Well into the mid-20th century, during the era of enforced segregation, Sugar Bottom thrived as a vibrant African American community anchored by Antioch Baptist Church. The original Antioch Baptist Church, built between 1871 and 1873, once stood on the west side of West Street between Culpeper and Locust Streets. Modest homes and Black-owned businesses dotted the neighborhood, creating a close-knit environment where residents found comfort, safety, and support.

Sugar Bottom was more than just a geographical area; it was a haven that nurtured its residents. Those born and raised there, along with members of the congregation, were instilled with a strong sense of care, discipline, and confidence, empowering them to become self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to their community. One such figure was Henry Gordon “Ace” Payne, born in Sugar Bottom in 1915. Payne became a successful barber and respected community leader, leaving an indelible mark on Culpeper’s development.

Henry Gordon Ace Payne
Henry Gordon “Ace” Payne

Today, the legacy of Sugar Bottom is preserved through historical markers and local narratives, standing as a testament to the resilience, strength, and enduring spirit of its residents and the broader African American heritage of Culpeper.

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