History
During its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, Avenue D was the main corridor in the Village of Lincoln Park – it was St. Lucie’s bustling center for African American-owned shops, restaurants, businesses and a movie theater. Today, the area is experiencing a revitalization, celebrating it rich cultural history and making progress to again become the center of pride for the community.
While exploring this interesting area of St. Lucie, visitors can learn about Zora Neale Hurston. Follow her Dust Tracks Heritage Trail that commemorates the life and times of this world-renowned Harlem Renaissance author, anthropologist, storyteller and dramatist. Zora spent many years in Lincoln Park including the final years of her life – her gravesite is located at the Garden of Heavenly Rest.
Visitors can also enjoy another cultural heritage experience in Lincoln Park by following the Highwaymen Heritage Trail that features The Florida Highwaymen, a group of 26 African American artists from Fort Pierce who created idyllic, colorful images of Florida landscapes and sold some 200,000 of them from the trunks of their cars – thus receiving the name “The Highwaymen.” Inducted into the Florida Artist Hall of Fame in 2004, they are recognized as an important part of American folk history. Their beautiful Florida landscapes are collected widely by enthusiasts and are displayed in the Florida Governor’s Mansion, in the White House and around the world.