Black towns are the places occupied by the native traders and craftsmen near St. Fort George in Madras or St. Fort Williams at Calcutta.

Black towns, also known as African American towns or Freedmen's towns, were settlements established by African Americans in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These towns emerged primarily in the southern states following the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. Black towns played a significant role in promoting self-sufficiency, economic empowerment, and social progress for African Americans during a time of racial discrimination and segregation.

Historical Background:
After the Civil War, many African Americans sought to establish their own communities where they could exercise their newfound freedom and escape the oppressive conditions prevalent in the South. The Homestead Act of 1862 and the Dawes Act of 1887 also provided opportunities for African Americans to acquire land, contributing to the growth of black towns.

Key Features:
Black towns possessed several distinctive features that set them apart from neighboring white communities:

1. Ownership of Land: One of the primary goals of black towns was to secure land ownership for African Americans. This allowed them to create stable communities and build wealth through farming, businesses, and homeownership.

2. Economic Independence: Black towns aimed to establish economic independence by developing local businesses and agricultural enterprises. Black-owned businesses, such as general stores, banks, and schools, were vital for the economic growth and self-sufficiency of these communities.

3. Social and Political Institutions: Black towns often had their own churches, schools, and community centers, providing spaces for worship, education, and social gatherings. These institutions played a crucial role in preserving African American culture, fostering community cohesion, and promoting education among black residents.

4. Safe Haven: Black towns provided a refuge from the racial violence and discrimination prevalent in the surrounding areas. They offered African Americans a sense of safety, security, and solidarity within their own communities.

5. Role in Civil Rights Movement: Black towns served as important hubs for civil rights activism, fostering leadership, organizing protests, and advocating for equal rights and justice for African Americans.

Examples of Black Towns:
Several notable black towns emerged across the United States, including:

- Langston, Oklahoma: Founded in 1890, Langston was one of the first all-black towns established during the Oklahoma Land Run. It became a center for education and culture, hosting the Langston University, one of the nation's historically black colleges and universities.

- Mound Bayou, Mississippi: Established in 1887, Mound Bayou was the first entirely self-governed all-black town in the Mississippi Delta. It thrived economically and became a symbol of black success and empowerment.

- Historic Eatonville, Florida: Founded in 1887, Eatonville is one of the oldest black towns in the United States. Notably, it was the hometown of renowned writer Zora Neale Hurston, who depicted the town's vibrant African American community in her works.

In conclusion, black towns were self-sustaining communities established by African Americans after the Civil War to pursue economic independence, social progress, and political empowerment. These towns played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community, preserving African American culture, and contributing to the civil rights movement.