Danville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Danville's Civil Rights Movement
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, March 18, 2022
1. Danville's Civil Rights Movement Marker
During the summer of 1963, peaceful demonstrations in Danville resulted in violence after civil rights advocates were met with resistance. On June 6th, 1963, 200 demonstrators marched on City Hall, leading to several arrests. Four days later on June 10th, people attending a prayer vigil for those arrested were confronted by police officers and deputized garbage collectors who used hoses and nightsticks to disperse the protesters. The incident, which resulted in 47 injuries, would later become known as "Bloody Monday". These acts led Martin Luther King, Jr. to visit the City in July and to consider Danville as the site of a massive civil rights campaign Although Birmingham, Alabama was ultimately chosen. Despite the protests, Danville remained officially segregated until the Civil Rights Act was passed by the federal government in 1964.
Erected 2016 by City of Danville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. A significant historical year for this entry is 1963.
Location. 36° 35.259′ N, 79° 23.571′ W. Marker is in Danville, Virginia. It is on Main Street, on
this page online
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: Two Centuries of Hotels (here, next to this marker); Millionaires Row (here, next to this marker); Danville, City Of Churches (a few steps from this marker); The Last Capital of the Confederacy (a few steps from this marker); Home of Dan River Fabrics (within shouting distance of this marker); Danville's Streetcars (within shouting distance of this marker); "Opera House Alley" (within
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 31, 2024
2. Danville's Civil Rights Movement Marker
More about this marker. This Marker is one of five historic markers installed by the City of Danville adjacent to HOME Plaza in 2016.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, December 24, 2024
3. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Danville
In response to Bloody Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Danville multiple times to assist local civil rights protesters. King is pictured here in 1963 at the Danville Regional Airport in this portrait currently on display in Ma's Cakes, a popular bakery on Main Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 215 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 28, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 3. submitted on December 29, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
