Stop Six was founded by African-American pioneer Amanda Davis (1865-1960), who worked as a laundress and purchased a one-acre tract of land in the undeveloped area in 1896 for $45 when the Northern Texas Traction Co. streetcar ran through the community from 1902 to 1934. The sixth stop on the 90-minute streetcar journey from the Tarrant County Courthouse to Dallas was then known as Cowanville. The stop was later nicknamed “Stop Six.”

The African American-founded Stop Six neighborhood in Southeast Fort Worth is varied in its offerings.​Often associated as a dangerous place to visit, Stop Six does suffer from pockets of crime; however, it is a large area comprised of several smaller neighborhoods such as Village Creek, Bunche-Ellington, Stop Six Sunrise Edition, Ramey Place and Carver Heights. 

Long-time Carver Heights resident and Economic Development Manager for the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Darryl Brewer, shares more about this historic community.

Brewer has fond memories of his beloved tight-knit neighborhood and reminiscences of “well-manicured lawns, a plethora of Black-locally owned businesses, and a prideful atmosphere with so many role models to look up to.”

One note of particular interest was the mention of an abundance of Black-owned gas stations.

“The Texaco on the corner of Prothro and Cravens was also Black-owned at one time," said Brewer. "There were so many, including a corner store we called ‘The Little Store’ that we walked to daily. I used to buy two large cookies for one cent!”

We both laughed as we considered the amount of today's gourmet cookies fetching for $5 each. Darryl also shared that while he was growing up it was also an expectation that he and his peers would attend college.

“The only question was where we would attend college," he stressed.

Although his parents, like many of this era, did not have advanced degrees, they often emphasized the importance of seeking a higher education. The community shared space with local city councilmen and women, business owners, domestic workers and school principals, like his own school’s headmistress, Ms. Maudrie M. Walton. She was an important figure in Fort Worth history who Darryl describes as a “stern disciplinarian who was formerly in the military.” Walton not only led the all-Black school but later went on to be an esteemed member of the school board.

Today, the children, now adults and parents to their own children, reunite every Christmas in hopes of continuing their parents' legacies instilled in them of “togetherness and friendship." Brewer also shared an inspiring story of determination exemplified by his own mother, Mrs. Christine Burse, who after retiring in her 50’s as a well-respected domestic service worker, took her earnings and insurance to fund a family business – a car wash she named “Magic Car Wash” which was located at 5524 East Lancaster. 

“I always felt safe and protected in Stop Six. That’s the side of the community I want people to also know.”