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

Bloody Monday

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 15, 2013

1. Bloody Monday Marker

Inscription. In the spring of 1963 local African American ministers and other leaders organized the Danville Movement to combat widespread racial segregation and discrimination. On 10 June, two demonstrations occurred. Police clubbed and fire-hosed the marchers, injuring at least 47 and arresting 60. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., offered protesters his "full, personal support" when he arrived in Danville on 11 July. The nonviolent protests, which became known as "Bloody Monday," gained national news coverage before the 28 Aug. March on Washington co-led by the Rev. Dr. King. Both events swelled sentiment in favor of civil rights legislation.

Erected 2007 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number Q 5m.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1963.

Location. 36° 35.207′ N, 79° 23.505′ W. Marker is in Danville, Virginia. It is on Patton Street east of South Union Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Danville VA 24541, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

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walking distance of this marker: Danville System (within shouting distance of this marker); Harry Wooding (within shouting distance of this marker); Early History of 119-121 South Union Street (within shouting distance of this marker); True Friends Of Charity (within shouting distance of this marker); Loyal Baptist Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Danville's Civil Rights Movement (about 400 feet away); Prison Number 6 (about 500 feet away); Confederate Prison No. 6 (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Lady Astor Rose (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 15, 2013

2. Bloody Monday Marker

Bloody Monday image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, January 31, 2025

3. Bloody Monday

Part of the Ruby B. Archie Library's black history month display.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,542 times since then and 163 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 16, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on February 22, 2025, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia.