Richmond's history would not be complete without the illustrious contribution of it's African-American citizens throughout the centuries. From slaves and free blacks who lived in the city prior to the Civil War to theeconomic and artistic gains made by their descendants in last hundred years, Richmond has long been the home of a vibrant and creative black population with a proud heritage. Their many accomplishments can be summed up in the number and quality of attractions listed below.

Arthur Ashe, Jr. Athletic Center - A 72,000 square foot facility honoring its namesake is just off the Boulevard exit to the Interstate, on the corner of Boulevard and Robin Hood Road. The structure houses a 6,200 seat athletic center with a basketball court and the finest indoor track in Virginia.

Arthur Ashe, Jr. Monument - Situated on Monument Avenue, the memorial is the newest addition to one of America's most beautiful streets and honors Richmond native and tennis great, Arthur Ashe. A lifelike statue of Ashe is the central focus of this inspirational memorial. He stands atop an inscribed column, holding his hands high with a tennis racket in his left hand and books in his right. Surrounded at his feet by children, the youngsters reach upward as if spurred on by Ashe to reach for the stars.

Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia - On Clay Street in the Jackson Ward District stands the Black History Museum. Dedicated to Virginia's Black history and culture, the museum offers changing exhibits which include artifacts, photos, documents, prints and art.

"Bojangles" Monument - Defining the art of tap dancing for generations in his film and stage career, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson is honored as a favorite son with a statue depicting his likeness. Located in a small corner park on Adams and West Leigh Streets, it marks the site of the first traffic light in Richmond, which was donated by Robinson for the safety of the community.

Brown's Island - The Black Bateaumen are honored with a statue depicting one of the men who moved the flat-bottomed boats of trade in the Kanawha Canal which ran parallel to the James River. Bateaux also carried crops and goods down river from farms and factories until the early part of the 20th century.

William Washington Browne Residence - Rev. Browne came to Richmond to be pastor of Leigh Street M. E. Church in 1881. He also helped to promote the temperance group the United Order of True Reformers. His home is located on W. Jackson Street.

Consolidated Bank & Trust Company - In the Jackson Ward District, on North 1st Street, stands the nation's oldest and continuously owned African-American Bank.

Ebenezer Baptist Church - A leader in public education for African-Americans, this Jackson Ward District church was founded in 1858. Three decades later, the Hartshorn Memorial College was created by the church to educate women to become teachers.

Elegba Folklore Society - A cultural center that promotes family programs, classes, special events and festivals to enrich the local African-American experience.

The Elk's Lodge - A large 26 room mansion located on N. 2nd Street in the Jackson Ward District was the home of Rev. W. L. Taylor, a leader in the temperance-based movement called the United Order of True Reformers.

First Battalion Armory of Virginia Volunteers - This Jackson Ward District building on W. Leigh Street is the oldest armory built for African-Americans in the state of Virginia and possibly the entire country. Built in 1899, it headquartered the city's first black regiment sent to the Spanish-American War.

Hippodrome Theatre - The Hippodrome locally introduced such names to the public as Bill Robinson, Lena Horne, Cab Callaway, Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole, among others, which aided in building their careers on the larger world stage. Partially because of the Hippodrome, the Jackson Ward District was nicknamed the "Harlem of the South".

Jackson Center - A former slave, Giles B. Jackson became the first black lawyer to practice before the Virginia Supreme Court. The center is named in honor of Mr. Jackson and is located in the Jackson Ward District on N. 2nd Street.

Jackson Ward Historic District - The site of the foremost African-American community of the 19th and early 20th century, the preserved structures are home to the largest collection of cast ironwork in the country outside New Orleans. Many of Richmond's famed historic African-American homes and icons are located in the district.

Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church - Located on W. Duvall Street in the Jackson Ward District, Mount Zion was organized in 1867 by the renowned preacher and former slave, John Jasper. It was here that Jasper delivered his famous "The Sun Do Move" sermon.

Virginia E. Randolph Museum - The museum honors Virginia Randolph, the first supervisor for the "Jeanes Fund" . Set up by a wealthy Quaker to aid black educators, the Jeanes Fund was successful in developing educational programs to train African-American students the vocational skills needed to obtain careers and jobs. The museum is on Mountain Road.

Virginia Fire & Police Museum - Located in the one of the oldest standing firehouses in the country, the Jackson Ward museum on W. Marshall Street, houses over 50 pieces of antique firefighting equipment.

Virginia Union University - This institution began as part of the Virginia Theological School for Freeman just after the Civil War and is currently one of the premier black colleges in the country.

Maggie Walker National Historic Site - The home of Maggie Walker, the first black woman bank president in the nation, she was a leading force in the Jackson Ward District as well as Richmond's African-American community. A National Historic Site, the home on E. Leigh Street is open for guided tours.

Reserve Early ...while your preferred accommodations are still available.