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

Eureka Lodge, Inc. of Norfolk

— Norfolk Heritage Cannonball Trail —

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, September 12, 2025

1. Eureka Lodge, Inc. of Norfolk Marker

Inscription. On June 5, 1897, the Norfolk Eureka Lodge became the first organization of African-American Elks in the world when a lodge was established under the leadership of Benjamin F. Howard on Wood Street. In addition to providing a place for the members to meet, socialize, and engage in leisure activities, the lodge paid sick and death benefits and offered security to families who were refused insurance coverage by major companies. National and local charities were recipients of the lodge's fund-raising projects. Norfolk State University and Norfolk Community Hospital were special beneficiaries. Underprivileged children were a major concern of the Eureka men. In the summer, they sponsored children on beach outings, and they distributed toys and food baskets at Christmas. The Eureka Lodge legally severed its ties with the national Elks in 1940. African-American servicemen stationed in the area during World War Il were welcomed, and the first black shore patrol in Norfolk was organized at the lodge. The Eureka's Excelsior Band was a popular attraction in local parades.

Erected by City of Norfolk.

Topics. This historical

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marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical date for this entry is June 5, 1897.

Location. 36° 51.068′ N, 76° 16.889′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Wood Street and Church Street, on the right when traveling west on Wood Street. Located at the southwest corner of the Church Street U.S. Post Office. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 600 Church Street, Norfolk VA 23504, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Tidewater,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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

Eureka Lodge, Inc. of Norfolk Marker (left) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, September 12, 2025

2. Eureka Lodge, Inc. of Norfolk Marker (left)

South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University (here, next to this marker); St. John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Evelyn Thomas Butts (about 800 feet away); Hospital of St. Vincent dePaul (about 800 feet away); Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Baptist Church, Bute Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); AKA Iota Omega (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 96 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.