The Freedom Trail Landmark in Butler Beach

As we observe Black History Month, it's essential to reflect on the significant historical events and figures that have shaped our nation. In St. Augustine, FL, this reflection takes on a unique resonance, particularly when we consider the Freedom Trail and its landmark at 5480 Atlantic View in Butler Beach. This blog post delves into the historical significance of this Butler Beach property.

5480 Atlantic View stands as a testament to a pivotal chapter in the Civil Rights Movement. This property is part of the Freedom Trail, a collection of locations that played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement in St. Augustine. The spring of 1964 marked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s strategic involvement in the St. Augustine movement, which played a crucial role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

While in St. Augustine, Dr. King faced constant threats to his safety. He and other civil rights leaders often had to move between safe houses, including properties in Butler Beach, to avoid harm. 5480 Atlantic View is a particularly noteworthy property. The beach cottage was the winter home of Dr. Cyril M. Canright and his wife Winifred, who taught as missionaries in China in the 1920s and 1930s, and later made their home in New Jersey. The Canrights were supporters of the Civil Rights Movement and made their beach house available to Dr. King when he came to St. Augustine.

As David Colburn highlights in "Racial Change & Community Crisis," the property was the target of several attacks when the local newspaper printed its address after receiving a tip that Dr. King was staying there. Segregationists vandalized and shot up the house in May of 1964. Dr. King wasn’t in the home at the time of the shooting, but arrived shortly thereafter. A few days later, segregationists attempted to burn the home. In early June, they smashed the windows and furniture, painted racist graffiti inside, and firebombed it. All of these events were widely reported around the country and increased public pressure to do away with racial segregation. The image of Dr. King examining a bullet hole in the window at 5480 Atlantic View became an iconic image of the Civil Rights Movement. A bullet hole in one of the door frames and burnt flooring still remain inside the house to this day.

Check out this interview of Dr. King following his time in St. Augustine where he discusses the St. Augustine movement and what transpired at 5480 Atlantic View.

For more information on the Freedom Trail and the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement, visit www.accordfreedomtrail.org.