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

Holbrook-Ross Historic District

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 15, 2013

1. Holbrook-Ross Historic District Marker

Inscription. The Holbrook-Ross Historic District, named for two major streets, is significant as the first neighborhood in Danville for African American professionals. Lawyers, ministers, dentists and physicians, as well as, business owners, insurance agents, postal clerks, and skilled craftsmen, made it their home in the late 19th century. It grew rapidly during the 1880s following the construction of the Danville School, the city's public school for blacks. By the turn of the 20th century, Holbrook Street had become Danville's foremost black residential address. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.

Erected 1999 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number Q 7-d.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list.

Location. 36° 34.912′ N, 79° 24.12′ W. Marker is in Danville, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Holbrook Street and Ross Street, on the left when traveling north on Holbrook Street. 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 walking distance

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of this marker: First Catholic Church In Danville, Virginia (a few steps from this marker); Mackenzie/Lapham Plot (within shouting distance of this marker); Cheatham Marker (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Recovered Marker (about 300 feet away); McElroy/Benedict Markers (about 300 feet away); First Known Interment (about 300 feet away); Shepherd/Noble Plot (about 300 feet away); Dame Children (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.

Holbrook and Ross Streets image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 15, 2013

2. Holbrook and Ross Streets

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 19, 2024

3. Holbrook-Ross Historic District Marker

Green Book Location 1938-1967 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 19, 2024

4. 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.

Intersection of Holbrook and Ross Streets around the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 19, 2024

5. Intersection of Holbrook and Ross Streets around the Marker

Thurgood Marshall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, January 31, 2025

6. Thurgood Marshall

Future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall visited the Holbrook-Ross District during the Civil Rights movement, documented as 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 1,147 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 16, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 3, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 6. submitted on February 22, 2025, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. The plaque attached to this marker in 2024 discussing the Green Book. If it qualifies as a separate historical marker it should be entered on its own page. • Can you help?