Historical marker unveiling for former Jackson Ward hotel
10/2/2015, 9:34 p.m.
Miller’s/Eggleston Hotel, the former Jackson Ward hotel that once welcomed such noted celebrities as Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Redd Foxx is being honored with a state historical marker.
The marker, sponsored by Venture Richmond, will be unveiled 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the former site of the landmark hotel at 2nd and Leigh streets in Downtown.
The hotel was built in 1904 by William “Buck” Miller and initially known as Miller’s Hotel.
Neverett Eggleston Sr. bought it in the late 1930s and owned it until it was demolished in 2009 to make way for new devel- opment.
In its heyday, the hotel was one of a handful in Richmond to offer African-Americans accommodations, a rarity in the segregated South.
“Its success reflected the entrepreneurial and professional efforts of the residents of Jackson Ward, widely considered The Birthplace of Black Capitalism” according to the marker.
The Department of Human Resources approved the marker in September 2013.
Speakers at the public event will include Mr. Eggleston, Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Richmond City Councilman Charles Samuels and Ranger Ben Anderson of the National Park Service.
