Hickory Grove

Front inscription

The community of Hickory Grove dates to the late 19th century. In the antebellum era, much of the land in this area was owned by the Durant, Grissette, and Chestnut families. The community developed around nearby Hickory Grove Missionary Baptist Church, which organized in 1877. Early residents were mostly farming families. Tobacco became an important cash crop in the early 20th century.

Reverse inscription

A public school for white Hickory Grove residents was in operation by 1875. An early school for Black residents opened off Old Reaves Ferry Road at the former site of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Around 1916 the community was also known as Fair Trade or Fairtraid after a nearby post office. The post office soon closed, and the area has been called Hickory Grove ever since.