Lexington, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Lexington and the Green Book
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 25, 2026
1. Lexington and the Green Book Marker
Inscription.
Lexington and the Green Book. . , The Negro Motorist Green Book, published from 1936 to 1966, was a guide to lodgings, restaurants, and other public accommodations that welcomed Black travelers during the segregation era, when many roadside businesses refused to admit Black people or served them on an unequal basis. Listed in the guide for many years was the elegant Franklin Tourist Home, oprated by Zack and Arleana Franklin just east of here at 9 Tucker St. Chauffeurs whose wealthy employers were staying at one of the town's hotels were frequent guests. Other Lexington businesses that appeared in the Green Book were the Rose Inn and Washington Cafι on N. Main St. and the J.M. Wood Tourist Home on Massie St., [Lower Plaque:] ,
Virginia , Green Book , Location , 1938-1967. 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.
The Negro Motorist Green Book, published from 1936 to 1966, was a guide to lodgings, restaurants, and other public accommodations that welcomed Black travelers during the segregation era, when many roadside businesses refused to admit Black people or served them on an unequal basis. Listed in the guide for many years was the elegant Franklin Tourist Home, oprated by Zack and Arleana Franklin just east of here at 9 Tucker St. Chauffeurs whose wealthy employers were staying at one of the town's hotels were frequent guests. Other Lexington businesses that appeared in the Green Book were the Rose Inn and Washington Cafι on N. Main St. and the J.M. Wood Tourist Home on Massie St.
[Lower Plaque:]
Virginia
Green Book
Location
1938-1967
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.
Location. 37° 47.06′ N, 79° 26.441′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Virginia. It is on East Washington Street west of Varner Lane, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 E Washington St, Lexington VA 24450, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. 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
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 25, 2026
Another marker is no longer nearby. Lexington (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 25, 2026
3. Lexington and the Green Book Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
