In the 1880s, Holbrook and Ross streets were created from the estate of Thomas B. Doe and partitioned into scores of lots. By the turn of the 20th century these streets just off Main Street quickly became the leading address for Danville’s African-American community, from doctors, lawyers and educators to merchants, Pullman porters and chauffeurs. Dozens of their houses, several churches, and corner stores built for grocers and other shopkeepers, also were constructed by their tradesmen-neighbors. Some of these skilled craftsmen were masons who laid bricks with mortar; others were carpenters who framed and sheathed cottages, bungalows and four squares; others were roofers who nailed down shakes or tinners who unrolled and crimped standing-seam tin.

For a self-guided tour, visitors can pick up a free color booklet at the Holbrook Street Presbyterian Church or the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority House, 320 Holbrook Street, where refreshments will be served. A self-guided tour takes an average of one hour.