Newport News, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Walker’s Green
Named in Honor of William R. Walker, Jr. (1911-2004)
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
1. Walker’s Green Marker
Mr. Walker was born and raised in Newport News. He attended Huntington High School where he later taught mathematics and chemistry. He also attended Howard University where he graduated magna cum laude in 1932. In 1936, he was named the community manager of Aberdeen Gardens, one of the first federal planned housing communities in America under New Deal legislation. Following World War II, Mr. Walker established successful real estate and insurance businesses on the Peninsula. He was a highly respected leader in the local community, served on many boards and associations and was the president of the Newport News chapter of the NAACP. Although initially opposed to locating Christopher Newport College on Shoe Lane because it required the taking of lands from African-American families, he emerged as a staunch supporter of the school and served three terms on its Board of Visitors. His home once stood on this spot.
Erected by Christopher Newport University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education.
Location. 37° 3.641′ N, 76° 29.709′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is on Shoe Lane south of Briar Patch
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula, in Hampton Roads, in Coastal Virginia, and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. 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: Captain Christopher Newport (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Baptist Church Morrison (approx. 0.4 miles away); Leifr Eiriksson (approx. 0.4 miles away); US Navy Admiralty Pattern Anchor (approx. half a mile away); Spanish Bronze Gun (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Spanish Bronze Gun (approx. half a mile away); USS Monitor: America's First Ironclad (approx. 0.6 miles away); Admiralty Pattern Anchor (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport News.
Other markers no longer nearby. Hidenwood (was approx. 0.6 miles away but has been permanently removed); Walking Beam and A-Frame (was approx. 0.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Walking Beam (was approx. 0.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . William R. Walker, Jr. and the Establishment of Christopher Newport College. (Submitted on January 25, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
2. Walker’s Green Marker
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026
3. Walker’s Green Marker
The Kilch Alumni House is in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 465 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 25, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. 3. submitted on April 12, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
