Green Valley Pharmacy

The Green Valley Pharmacy is a local landmark and an important part of Arlington’s African American history. Among the most recognized and cherished businesses in Green Valley, the Green Valley Pharmacy has helped to shape and define the local community for more than 60 years. Dr. Leonard Muse, or “Doc Muse” as customers fondly refer to him, opened the Green Valley Pharmacy in September 1952, along with classmate and business partner, Waverly W. Jones. Muse purchased the property and became sole owner in 1955. The property was originally built in 1942 as Hyman’s Grocery for first owner Joseph Hyman.

One of Arlington’s oldest African American communities, Green Valley was settled by free African Americans, Levi and Sarah Ann Jones, who built homes in 1844, nearly 20 years before the Civil War. They sold lots to other free Black families, creating a tightly knit neighborhood, which expanded into a thriving business community. Notable sights include the first Black-owned pharmacy in Arlington, Green Valley Pharmacy; the Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, one of Arlington’s oldest continuous Black churches; and parks such as Fort Barnard Heights Park, Fort Barnard Park, Jennie Dean Park and Nauck Park. The revitalized John Robinson, Jr. Town Square, named for a local Black community activist, anchors the neighborhood.

Please note that visitors can only view the exterior of this attraction.