Virginia Department of Historic Resources
(dhr.virginia.gov)
For Immediate Release
September 12, 2024

Contact:
Ivy Tan
Department of Historic Resources
Marketing & Communications Manager
ivy.tan@dhr.virginia.gov
804-482-6445

Virginia Dedicates Historical Marker about Historically African American Neighborhood in Richmond

—The marker recalls the history of Washington Park, a community in Richmond’s Northside established shortly after the end of the Civil War by emancipated African Americans—

—Text of marker reproduced below—

PLEASE NOTE: DHR creates markers not to “honor” their subjects but rather to educate and inform the public about a person, place, or event of regional, state, or national importance. In this regard, erected markers are not memorials.

RICHMOND – A state historical marker approved by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) was dedicated this weekend for the Washington Park Community, a historically African American neighborhood that originated in the 1860s and was further developed in the 20th century.

The dedication ceremony for the marker was held Saturday, September 14, starting at 11 a.m., at St. John Baptist Church, located at 4317 North Avenue in Richmond (23222). At the end of the ceremony, the marker was unveiled just outside the church.

A “Virginia Green Book Location” plaque was attached to the marker’s post in recognition of the Market Inn, a local nightclub that was listed in the Green Book. This guide for Black travelers featured lodgings, restaurants, and other public accommodations across the country that welcomed African Americans during the segregation era. Virginia State Delegate Michael P. Mullin introduced House Bill 1968 in January 2023 to designate or approve supplementary plaques for historical highway markers identifying locations and businesses in Virginia that were listed in the Green Book. Governor Glenn Youngkin signed the Green Book legislation into law in March 2023. For more information on the Green Book in Virginia, visit here.

The dedication ceremony began with a welcome from Dr. Jennifer Loux, highway marker program manager at DHR. The Rev. Dr. Michael L. Felton, pastor of St. John Baptist church, led the invocation. The Honorable Ann-Frances Lambert, Richmond City Council member representing the 3rd District, offered greetings. Reflections were provided by Mrs. Claudia Cooper Davis, a member of the Washington Park marker committee, and Mrs. Brenda Dabney Nichols, president of the Washington Park Civic Association and member of the marker committee. Dr. Colita Nichols Fairfax, former chair of the Virginia Board of Historic Resources and a professor at Norfolk State University, spoke about Virginia’s highway marker program.

After the Civil War, emancipated African Americans settled in the area that become Washington Park. They established St. John Baptist Church ca. 1868 and built a new sanctuary in 1893. First Baptist Church was founded in 1921. The community flourished early in the 20th century when two planned developments, known as Oak Park and Washington Park, attracted many residents. The Market Inn nightclub featured performances by Redd Foxx, the Shirelles, the Drifters, and many other prominent acts. The City of Richmond annexed part of the Washington Park community from Henrico County in 1914 and the rest in 1942. Dr. Roy West, Richmond’s second Black mayor, grew up in the neighborhood.

The Virginia Board of Historic Resources, which is authorized to designate new state historical markers, approved the manufacture and installation of the Washington Park Community marker in June 2023. The marker’s sponsor, the Washington Park Civic Association, covered its manufacturing costs.

Virginia’s historical highway marker program began in 1927 with installation of the first markers along U.S. Route 1. It is considered the oldest such program in the nation. Currently there are more than 2,600 state markers, mostly maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation, except in those localities outside of VDOT’s authority.

Full Text of Marker:

Washington Park Community

Emancipated African Americans settled in this area after the Civil War. They organized St. John Baptist Church ca. 1868 and built a sanctuary here in 1893. First Baptist Church was founded in 1921. Two planned developments, Oak Park and Washington Park, constituted what is now known as Washington Park early in the 20th century. The neighborhood’s Market Inn nightclub featured performances by such acts as Redd Foxx, the Shirelles, and the Drifters, and was listed in the Green Book, a guide for Black travelers during the segregation era. The City of Richmond annexed part of the community from Henrico Co. in 1914 and the rest in 1942. Dr. Roy West, Richmond’s second Black mayor, grew up here.

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