Virginia's Black Heritage Trail

Virginia is home to firsts, icons, dreamers, trailblazers, and record breakers. From the time the first Africans landed on the shores of Fort Monroe to the moment Richmond-born Arthur Ashe took the tennis world by storm, their stories live here. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re looking to expand your trip, use Virginia’s Black Heritage Trail as your guide—go ahead, dig to the roots of our nation’s Black history.

Virginia's General Assembly recently passed legislation to recognize Green Book sites around the Commonwealth. Learn more here.

Southwest Virginia Heart of Appalachia

At Virginia's westernmost tip, the Heart of Appalachia region is one of rugged beauty in its landscapes, culture and people.

Overview
At Virginia's westernmost tip, the Heart of Appalachia region is one of rugged beauty in its landscapes, culture and people.

Virginia Mountains

The Virginia Mountains Region is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts with lakes to boat, rivers to fish, and peaks to conquer, but that's not all.

Overview
About this region
The Virginia Mountains Region is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts with lakes to boat, rivers to fish, and peaks to conquer, but that's not all.

Shenandoah Valley

Whether you’re here for the Civil War history, the scenic drives or the Appalachian Trail, prepare to tackle the outdoors in the Shenandoah Valley.

Overview
About this region
Whether you’re here for the Civil War history, the scenic drives or the Appalachian Trail, prepare to tackle the outdoors in the Shenandoah Valley.

Central Virginia

Settlers arrived in Central Virginia as early as 1617. Today's living history interpreters love sharing those stories at Henricus Historical Park - where Pocahontas grew up, and Wilton House Museum - Richmond's own Georgian plantation.

Overview
About this region
Settlers arrived in Central Virginia as early as 1617. Today's living history interpreters love sharing those stories at Henricus Historical Park - where Pocahontas grew up, and Wilton House Museum - Richmond's own Georgian plantation.

Southern Virginia

Once the heart of Virginia's rich tobacco growing region, the rhythms of life rose and fell here with tobacco fortunes.

Overview
Once the heart of Virginia's rich tobacco growing region, the rhythms of life rose and fell here with tobacco fortunes.

Coastal Virginia Hampton Roads

Once the heart of Virginia's rich tobacco growing region, the rhythms of life rose and fell here with tobacco fortunes.

Overview
About this region
Once the heart of Virginia's rich tobacco growing region, the rhythms of life rose and fell here with tobacco fortunes.

Southwest Virginia Blue Ridge Highlands

As the Birthplace of Country Music, this area invites you to travel The Crooked Road on a musical journey.

Overview
About this region
As the Birthplace of Country Music, this area invites you to travel The Crooked Road on a musical journey.

Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia is next door to our nation's capital - Washington, D.C. - yet has kept its own character reminiscent of colonial times, rambling plantations, equestrian farms and cobblestoned streets leading to quaint taverns, chic shops and historical gems.

Overview
About this region
Northern Virginia is next door to our nation's capital - Washington, D.C. - yet has kept its own character reminiscent of colonial times, rambling plantations, equestrian farms and cobblestoned streets leading to quaint taverns, chic shops and historical gems.

Chesapeake Bay

Virginia's Chesapeake Bay region features George Washington's birthplace, the estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, Stratford Hall, as well as the lands of the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Native Americans.

Overview
Virginia's Chesapeake Bay region features George Washington's birthplace, the estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, Stratford Hall, as well as the lands of the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Native Americans.

Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore

The Coastal Virginia – Eastern Shore region is accessible via the 17.5-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The Shore stretches 70 miles and is situated between the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

Overview
The Coastal Virginia – Eastern Shore region is accessible via the 17.5-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The Shore stretches 70 miles and is situated between the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

Explore The Trail

Select a Region to Learn More

Virginia's Black Heritage Trail...

...is a joint project between Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) and Virginia's Department of Historical Resources (DHR), combining both historical roadside markers with some of the best local attractions in the commonwealth. Read the stories, visit the locations, and help us celebrate the richness of Virginia's history and modern-day culture.

The map below lists nearly 300 physical markers around the state, and each region page highlights local markers and prominent black figures, stories from the area, and even more to see and do. Read the history here, but go see where it happened!