Catfish Alley
Located between Main Street and College Street, Catfish Alley
was a central meeting and business district for the Columbus
African-American Community in the late nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries.
Boats would come off the river and bring various items into the
city. The alley was known for the smell of delicious catfish
sandwiches and the name "Catfish Alley" was born. African Americans
would bring horse drawn wagons full of vegetables and ice tubs full
of large catfish into the alley. The Alley held numerous businesses
on both sides of the street. For over 50 years, Jones' Restaurant
has represented a typical Catfish Alley business of the early
years. Additionally, you would find a café, barber shops, cleaners
and a drug store in the Alley.
The South end close to College Street was a vacant lot. In this
area you would find the annual carnival. There was a ferris wheel,
merry go round and other games and activities. The carnival was
usually held in the fall after cotton picking season ended.
On Saturdays, African Americans, AKA people from the country,
would come to Catfish Alley to met and discuss farming and various
other trades. In this area you would also hear some of the best
Blues performers in the South.