Lexington, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Subway: Joe Wood's Barbershop
Historic Lexington
| | Private Residence | |
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 25, 2026
1. The Subway: Joe Wood's Barbershop Marker
In the basement of this building, Joe Wood ran a popular barbershop called "The Subway" for Black residents. Joe Wood and his brother Clarence, prominent Black entrepreneurs bought property in 1928, and they were co-proprietors with Harry Walker of the Walker and Wood Brothers Meat Market across the street. The Wood family sold the property to the Historic Lexington Foundation in 1972. Known as the Jacob Ruff house, this building was constructed in 1829 and has had the following owners: John Ruff (until 1850); Jacob Ruff (until 1870); Henry Davidson (until 1879); Samuel M. Dold, David Graham, and Mary Graham (until 1889); Tate and Maria Sterrett (until 1890); W.H. Pierson (until 1928); Joe and Clarence Wood (until 1972); the Historic Lexington Foundation (until 1974); J. Otis Mead III and Sue Ann B. Mead (until 2014); and Charles R. and Kimberlee S. Corey (until 2019).
Erected by Historic Lexington Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 37° 47.133′ N, 79° 26.477′ W. Marker
this page online
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 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lt. Gen. L.B. Puller (here, next to this marker); Jonathan Daniels (here, next to this marker); The Jacob Ruff House, ca. 1829 (a few steps from this marker); Willson-Walker House, ca. 1820 (a few steps from this marker); Gen. John Lejeune (a few steps from this marker); Harry Lee & Eliza Walker (within shouting
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. submitted on April 26, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
