Gainsboro in Roanoke, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Oscar Micheaux

1893-1951

Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, May 28, 2017

1. Oscar Micheaux Marker

Inscription. Oscar Micheaux, renowned leading creator of African American "race films" between 1919 and 1948, produced up to six full-length films in Roanoke between 1922 and 1925. The Strand Theatre housed the Micheaux Film Corporation from 1923 to 1925, while Micheaux lodged across the street at the Hampton Hotel, now the Dumas. Many of Roanoke's black professionals bought stock in Micheaux's corporation and five served on its board of directors including Alfred F. Brooks, who built the Strand. Famous civil rights attorney Oliver W. Hill, Sr., then a student boarding in Roanoke, had a walk-on part in one film.

Erected 2007 by Virginia Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-90.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.

Location. 37° 16.475′ N, 79° 56.534′ W. Marker is in Roanoke, Virginia. It is in Gainsboro. It is at the intersection of Henry Street and Loudon Avenue, on

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the right when traveling north on Henry Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Roanoke VA 24016, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Mountain Region

and in Southwest Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Henry Street Business District (within shouting distance of this marker); Hunton Life Saving And First Aid Crew (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad Depot (about 400 feet away); Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge (about 500 feet away); N&W General Office Building-South (about 500 feet away); Edward Richard Dudley III (1911-2005) (about 700 feet

Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, May 28, 2017

2. Oscar Micheaux Marker

away); Norfolk & Western General Office Building (about 700 feet away); North Jefferson Street (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roanoke.

Another marker is no longer nearby. First Train to Big Lick (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, May 28, 2017

3. Oscar Micheaux Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2017, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,928 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 29, 2017, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.