Maggie L. Walker and Jackson Ward
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In Richmond’s Jackson Ward, the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site connects a remarkable woman’s home and work to the life of a historic Black business district. Explore the furnished house, learn about Walker’s leadership in banking and civic life, then follow the National Park Service’s self-guided neighborhood tour to see more of the people and places that shaped Jackson Ward.[1]
Maggie L. Walker and Jackson Ward
Maggie Lena Walker (1864–1934) became a business and civic leader in Richmond. She led the Independent Order of St. Luke, a fraternal organization, and founded the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank. Her work linked mutual aid, business development, and financial services for African Americans at a time when discrimination limited access to many institutions.[2]
Jackson Ward was a major center of African American cultural and economic life in early 20th-century Richmond. Walker’s home at 110½ East Leigh Street sits within the neighborhood’s National Historic Landmark District. The house helps visitors understand both her family life and the community in which she lived and worked.[3]
What to see
The historic home is the centerpiece of the National Historic Site. Its rooms and family furnishings offer a close-up view of Walker’s household and her life in Richmond. Start at the visitor center, where exhibits and an orientation film introduce Walker and the neighborhood, before joining a ranger-guided house tour.[4]
Jackson Ward is worth exploring beyond the house. The NPS self-guided audio tour covers 13 historic locations connected to neighborhood residents and institutions; the park describes it as a walk of roughly 60 to 90 minutes. Check the NPS tour page for the current map, audio, and transcript options before setting out.[5]
Plan your visit
The visitor center is at 600 North 2nd Street, around the corner from Walker’s home on East Leigh Street. As listed by the NPS on October 22, 2026, the visitor center is open for walk-ins Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; house tours are offered at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Group tours are available by arrangement on Tuesday through Thursday. Tour capacity and schedules can change, so confirm current details with the park before traveling.[6][7]
The historic site has no entrance fee. Street parking may be available nearby, but spaces can be limited and parking rules vary by street; check posted signs or use the NPS directions page to review options before arrival.[8][9]
Explore nearby
Use Richmond as a base for exploring the city’s neighborhoods, history, and cultural attractions.
Find visitor information for the NPS site, including its home tour and exhibits.
A Richmond museum documenting African American history and culture. Check its official visitor information before planning a visit.
Related books: Browse related Virginia books on Amazon
References
- ↑ Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Maggie Lena Walker, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Maggie Walker National Historic Site, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Things To Do, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Jackson Ward Walking Tour, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Basic Information, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Permits & Reservations, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Fees & Passes, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Directions, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-22.