Diamond Hill in Lynchburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Dr. Robert Walter Johnson

(1899-1971)

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 26, 2014

1. Dr. Robert Walter Johnson Marker

Inscription. The desegregation of tennis was due in large part to the efforts of Dr. R. Walter “Whirlwind” Johnson. The first African American to earn staff privileges at Lynchburg General Hospital, he also worked to overcome barriers keeping young African Americans out of tennis. As founder of the Junior Development Program of the American Tennis Association, Johnson sponsored African-American players from across the country in tournaments and coached and mentored them on a court here at his home. Among those he trained were Wimbledon Champions Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe. Johnson was posthumously inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2009.

Erected 2011 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number Q-6-27.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Science & Medicine • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2009.

Location. 37° 24.187′ N, 79° 9.057′ W. Marker is in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is in Diamond Hill. It is on Pierce Street north of 15th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1422 Pierce St, Lynchburg VA 24501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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Regionally, this marker is 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 of this marker: Site of Dr. Johnson's Tennis Court (here, next to this marker); Professor Frank Trigg (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Robert Walter Johnson House and Tennis Court (within shouting distance of this marker); Anne Spencer Home and Edankraal (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Anne Spencer House (about 400 feet away); In Tribute to Anne Bethel Spencer (about 400 feet away); Anne Spencer (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Anne Spencer House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lynchburg.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 26, 2014

2. Dr. Robert Walter Johnson Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,721 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 26, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.