New historical marker honors life of Montgomery leader Victor Tulane
A new historical marker has been unveiled at the corner of Ripley and High streets in Montgomery to honor the life of Victor H. Tulane, a prominent leader in city history.
Tulane was the first Black businessman associated with the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. In 1912, he joined the board of trustees for what was then called the Tuskegee Institute.
Tulane was born on a Wetumpka farm on April 20, 1874, into a biracial family. At the age of fifteen, he walked to Montgomery to establish himself as a businessman.
Though only 56 years old when he died in 1931, Tulane left a legacy of civic responsibility and community service.
“Victor Tulane was a pharmacist. Victor Tulane engaged in real estate. Victor Tulane had a grocery store. Tulane was a role model in our community. He touched every aspect of affairs in the city. Name one and I’ll show you the presence of Victor Tulane,” Montgomery historian Richard Bailey said.
“I’m sure all of us that grew up in this neighborhood, all of us feel extremely honored that you’ve done what you’ve done,” Valda Harris, whose grandfather was a business partner of Tulane’s said, in expressing her thanks for the efforts to remember Tulane with the marker.
