Jim Crow Era Jackson Rooming House

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The Jackson Rooming House, a relic of bygone days, stands as the final bastion of an era when homes were used as segregated boarding houses for African Americans before the 1965 Civil Rights Act brought about a new dawn. Located in downtown Tampa, Florida, this historic abode was situated near the vibrant Black business district and nightlife hotspots, its proximity to Union Station a testament to its strategic importance. Famous performers like Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald are said to have graced its halls, their presence leaving an indelible mark on the house's storied past. Constructed in stages between 1901 and 1920, the Jackson house now languishes in a state of ruin, its fate hanging precariously in the balance as preservationists and demolition crews weigh their options. A 3D pointcloud created by a terrestrial laser scanner and drone heritage survey project undertaken by the DHHC USF Libraries and the Tampa Bay History Center serves as a poignant reminder of the house's historical significance, with data being used to preserve its legacy and create an upcoming exhibit at the TBHC that sheds light on Tampa's Civil Rights era.