This mural was destroyed by Hurricane “Charley” on August 13, 2004. For the current status on the re-creation of this mural, please visit our web site at www.puntagordamurals.com.

The Black History Mural was originally located at 108 E. Marion Avenue. The mural showed a rippling scroll with portraits and scenes of people who were involved in the development of Punta Gorda. 

Some of the people and scenes depicted in the Black History Mural were Cornelius Ponder, a midwife; the Florida Stompers, a local jazz band and workers of the turpentine industry representing local life in the community. Also, a Lee County school bus was included in the mural as it was used to transport Punta Gorda students to Dunbar School. 

The mural also included many others, such as one of the early residents John Lomas who served in the Civil War as did O.B. Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong later became a legislator and a re-constructionist. Daniel Smith served as a Trustee of the School Board and was an organizer and builder of the Bethel AME First and Present Church. 

Robert Meacham had a varied career as a pastor, Postmaster, State Legislator and Senator. Charles Bailey was of seven brothers who served in WWII and he went on to become one of the famous Tuskegee airmen. 

Lucille Allen, a well respected teacher and Benjamin Baker, founder of Baker School were both noted educators in the community. 

George Brown was a landowner, renowned boat builder and respected equal opportunity employer. Sam Kennedy was a fire starter and was one the original signers of the Charter for Charlotte County.