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Walter Henry Land

Calvary Cemetery
Section 15, Block 15, Lot 9, Space NW
(1869-1945)

 Walter Henry Land picture

Walter Henry Land was born in Norfolk the son of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Land. His father Marshall developed most of Norfolk’s Barboursville area, and during Reconstruction served as a city magistrate and school board member. Walter received his early education in the public school system, and then earned his college degree from the Virginia Collegiate Institute in Petersburg, Virginia. Next, he earned a law degree from Howard University.

Upon earning his law degree, Walter moved back to Norfolk and began practicing law. For the first 14 years of his career, he was the only African-American lawyer in the city. He also served as the first president of the Norfolk Colored Bar Association, and was regarded as one of Norfolk’s foremost African-American citizens. He was one of the founders of the Tidewater Fair, a popular African-American social event held in Suffolk, Virginia. He had three daughters and two sons: Vera, Bernice, Lola, Walter Jr., and Branch.

Family members interred at Calvary include Branch (died 1950), Alphonso (died 1935), and Melsie (1869-1940).

W. H. Land, Dean Of Norfolk Lawyers, Dead
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Oct 13, 1945;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. C1

Funeral Rites Held For Walter II. Land
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); Oct 20, 1945;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. C14

Biographical information provided by Norfolk Bureau of Cemeteries.

Visitor Information

Visitor Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Office hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Free parking inside cemetery.

Admission Cost: Free

Address: 1600 St. Julian Ave., Norfolk, VA 23504

Official web site for more information: www.norfolk.gov/cemeteries

Norfolk Society for Cemetery Conservation Web Site:

www.norfolksocietyforcemeteryconservation.org