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

An African American Family Of Doctors

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. An African American Family of Doctors Marker

Inscription. Here, in the late 1800s. Charles and Maria Fairfax Brown raised six children who became doctors of medicine or pharmacy based in Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh, PA. Sara, a physician, was the first female graduate of Howard University named to its board of trustees. John, also a physician, was a founder of the Pittsburgh NAACP. Edward co-founded one of the first Black-owned pharmacies in PA. At Williams College, an organization for Black pre-med students was named for Harrison, an internist. Nancy earned a Phar. D. and co-founded the National Association of University Women. James, a urologist, was an instructor at the University of Pittsburgh. The siblings were noted for their philanthropy.

Erected 2022 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number Q-4 8.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list.

Location. 39° 11.219′ N, 78° 9.868′ W. Marker is in Winchester, Virginia. It is at the intersection of North Loudoun Street

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and East Fairfax Lane, on the right when traveling north on North Loudoun Street. The marker is located next to the Bank of Clarke parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 North Loudoun Street, Winchester VA 22601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

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: Dangerous Liaison (a few steps from this marker); Photos of Old Town Winchester (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); President William McKinley (about 300 feet away); George Washington Lot (about 400 feet away); Lee Snyder Lovett (about 400 feet away); Handley Library (about 600 feet away); Sheridan’s Headquarters (about 600 feet away); The George Washington Hotel (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winchester.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Loyal Quaker and Brave Slave (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . .
1. Open Forum: Grateful for help erecting Brownfamily marker. (Submitted on May 28, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Dr. Sara Brown House - Roots Run Deep. (Submitted on May 28, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. An African American Family of Doctors Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 134 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 28, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.