The Objectives of the
Chowan Discovery Group:

- Collect, preserve and present materials that describe and illustrate the Winton Triangle history. Dating back to the 1740’s, North Carolina’s Winton Triangle is one of the oldest communities of land-owning people of color in America. The Triangle originally encompassed the towns of Winton, Cofield and Union. In the late 19th century the Triangle expanded toward the newly incorporated town of Ahoskie.

- Research and document the cultural, social and economic history and traditions in the Winton Triangle area that enabled families of color to establish and maintain a successful entrepreneurial and landowning community.

- Develop educational and informational materials and activities which present the CDG’s research findings, the interviews conducted and the digital library of photographs, documents and artifacts.

- Coordinate and collaborate with individuals, community leaders, organizations and institutions to promote increased awareness of cultural histories and traditions, and the importance of cultural preservation.

> What We Do

Family Cemeteries and Property: Photograph of a century-old cemetery used by Pleasant Plains Church members. Two of the church founders, Willis and Sally (Jones) Weaver are buried here. The CDG was able to visit this site with the help of our late advisor, Barbara Archer Gregory, and Wallace Hall of Winton. The Chowan Discovery Group has ongoing efforts to locate and document Winton Triangle burial grounds. MTJ photo