Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

The Maggie Walker House (c. 1883-1903)

The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site (2015)

Site Name: Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

Date of Construction: 1883

Reason for Construction: Built as a residence in Jackson Ward.

Site History: Originally a modest five rooms, the house was constructed in 1883 by a local African American builder named George Boyd. The first two owners were James Ferguson and Robert Jones, both African American doctors. Robert Jones expanded the house, adding an indoor kitchen and several bedrooms. The house doubled as Jones’ doctor’s office. Maggie L. Walker purchased the house in 1904 for $4800. Though she was married, it was paid for with her own money. A year later, Mrs. Walker, her husband, her mother, her two sons, and her adopted daughter moved in. Mrs. Walker commissioned significant renovations, designed by Virginia’s first African American architect, Charles T. Russell. Mrs. Walker’s daughter in law inherited the house in 1934, and in 1978 Mrs. Walker’s granddaughter deeded the house to the National Park Service.

Maggie L. Walker is known for being the first African American woman in the United States to found a bank. In addition, she was a civil rights activist, particularly for African American women. Today, Mrs. Walker serves as a prime example of the success of African American entrepreneurs despite economic oppression.

Area History: The house is located within Jackson Ward, a neighborhood with prominent historical importance as the “Harlem of the South.” Jackson Ward was the center of African American culture, business, and social life in Richmond in the 1900s, and the house is in the middle of what was the wealthiest block of the neighborhood.

What about the site has changed? Maggie L. Walker purchased the house in 1904, and expanded it significantly, adding rooms, a balcony, and even an elevator in 1928 to accommodate her paralysis. It was owned by the Walker family until 1978, when it and its contents were deeded to the National Park Service and it became a historical site. Around 90% of the artifacts in the house today are original. Some of the neighboring houses are now used by the NPS as well, including a supplementary exhibit hall and a visitor’s center.

What about the surrounding area has changed? The entire community of Jackson Ward carries historical significance, and its role has significantly changed since being the “Harlem of the South,” as it has now been declared a National Historic Landmark District. The Maggie Walker House is among the many historical sites in the area, which serve to educate people of the great strides made by African Americans in the region.

Reflection: Maggie Walker's "urban mansion" home serves as physical proof of her astounding financial success. Mrs. Walker is truly an inspiration based on her achievements alone, let alone the fact that she accomplished them in Jim Crow era Richmond before women even had the right to vote. She deserves to be remembered, and the purpose of the site today is to do just that.

Authors: Serina Guy and Aiden Gowland

Sources:

“Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site.” National Park Service. Last modified February 21, 2015. Accessed March 19, 2015. http://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/Maggie_Walker/index.html.

"Maggie L Walker." National Park Service. Accessed March 19, 2015. http://www.nps.gov/mawa/historyculture/index.htm.