The daughter of a former slave, Maggie L. Walker was a gifted woman who achieved success in the world of finance and business and rose to become the first African-American woman bank president in the country. Originally a teacher, Walker, after her marriage in 1886, became involved in the affairs of a black fraternal organization, the Independent Order of St. Luke, which grew under her guidance into an insurance company, then into a full-fledged bank, the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank. The bank continues today as the Consolidated Bank and Trust, the oldest surviving African-American-operated bank in the United States. Walker also became editor of a newspaper and created and developed a department store. Her residence from 1904 until her death in 1934, this house remained in her family until 1979. The National Park Service has restored it to its 1930 appearance. Park rangers lead 30-minute guided tours.