Danville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Yancey House and Grasty Library

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 19, 2024

1. Yancey House and Grasty Library Marker

Inscription. The Yancey House (320 Holbrook St.) was a lodging place for African Americans during the segregation era. From the 1930s to the 1960s, it was listed in the Green Book, a guide to facilities that served black travelers. The house later became headquarters of the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. From 1950 to 1969, the Grasty Branch of the Danville public library system, for black patrons, operated next door. After African Americas were denied service at the main library in April 1960, an NAACP lawsuit led to a federal court order requiring equal access. In response, the city closed the libraries. They were reopened on an integrated basis in Sept., but without tables and chairs.

Erected 2019 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number Q-45.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations.

Location. 36° 35.104′ N, 79° 24.135′ W. Marker is in Danville, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Holbrook Street and Roberts Street, on the right

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when traveling north on Holbrook Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 320 Holbrook Street, Danville VA 24541, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southside Virginia

and specifically in Central 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: Buford Plot (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cabell Plot (about 800 feet away); Wilson/Williamson Obelisks (about 800 feet away); Horsetrough (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lanier Plot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Patton Square (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ross/Patton/Thornton Square (approx. 0.2 miles away); Craghead Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 19, 2024

2. Yancey House and Grasty Library Marker

of all markers in Danville.

Regarding Yancey House and Grasty Library. The building formerly hosting the Grasty Library was demolished in 2005.

Mary B. Yancey House behind the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 19, 2024

3. Mary B. Yancey House behind the Marker

Yancey House and Grasty Library Marker and Green Book Location Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 19, 2024

4. Yancey House and Grasty Library Marker and Green Book Location Marker

Green Book Location Marker adjacent to this Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 19, 2024

5. Green Book Location Marker adjacent to this Marker

The Negro Motorist Green Book, a guidebook for African American travelers, was published by New York City mail carrier Victor Hugo Green in response to pervasive and widespread racial discrimination during the pre-Civil Rights era. Green's guide featured hotels, restaurants, service stations, and other places where African Americans could count on being served.

Yancey House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, August 13, 2025

6. Yancey House

Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 232 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 5, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 6. submitted on September 3, 2025, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.