Richmond Become a Travel Agent Near Me

Overview

Introduction

Richmond, Virginia, is inextricably linked with the Civil War: It was once the capital of the Confederacy, and the area saw some particularly bloody battles. Richmond was also the meeting place for many patriots and a turning point in the Revolutionary War. Today Richmond houses a number of intriguing monuments and relics from its storied past: colonial-era buildings, Civil War monuments and southern plantations.

But as the capital of Virginia, Richmond is also a thoroughly modern city, comprising big business, excellent restaurants and a lively arts scene. Home at various times to writer Edgar Allan Poe, dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and tennis star Arthur Ashe, Richmond remains racially and culturally diverse. You can wake up in a colonial hotel, lunch on Japanese food, stroll among Civil War-era homes, shop at upscale boutiques and follow your French dinner with a visit to the theater. Above all, Richmond attracts visitors because of the warm hospitality offered by Virginians.

Must See or Do

Sights—The luxurious estate and grounds at Maymont; St. John's Church; the statues along Monument Avenue.

Museums—The American Civil War Museum; The Valentine; the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia; the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Memorable Meals—Cuban sandwiches at Kuba Kuba; tea at the Jefferson Hotel; brunch from Lemaire in the rotunda at the Jefferson Hotel.

Late Night—Microbrewed beers at Legend Brewing Co.; eclectic surroundings at Sticky Rice.

Walks—Strolling beside the waters of the Riverfront Canal Walk; browsing the shops on Cary Street; an afternoon in Hollywood Cemetery; meandering among the gentle hills and lakes of Byrd Park.

Especially for Kids—Amusement-park rides at Kings Dominion; interactive science explorations at the Science Museum of Virginia; educational exhibits at the Children's Museum of Richmond.

Geography

When British novelist Charles Dickens toured the U.S. in 1842, he remarked on Richmond's physical layout. The city was, he said, "delightfully situated on eight hills, overhanging the James River; a sparkling stream, studded here and there with bright islands." Dickens' picturesque description is still accurate. The James River flows through Richmond, separating it into several distinct areas. Everything south of the river is conveniently called Southside. On the other side of the river, still within the city limits, you'll find the West End, which would probably be considered suburbia in any other city.

But true suburbia stretches out to the Far West End in Henrico County on the edges of the greater Richmond metropolitan area. The Fan District features beautiful row houses dating from the early 1900s, as well as the wide thoroughfare Monument Avenue. Carytown is an eclectic shopping district with boutiques, cafes and art galleries.

Downtown Richmond is the seat of Virginia's government, with the State Capitol and Governor's Mansion situated at the center. Just a stone's throw from downtown, at the end of 12th Street, is Shockoe Slip, with its charming cobblestoned streets and upscale shops. Just east of the Slip (on the other side of Interstate 95) is Shockoe Bottom, which is where you'll find many of the city's most popular clubs and restaurants.

History

Shortly after a settlement was established at Jamestown in 1607, a group of explorers led by Capt. John Smith sailed west on the James River in search of a passage to the Pacific Ocean. They stopped at the foot of the first rapids and placed a cross at the site that would later become Richmond. Several attempts were made to pass the rapids and falls in the early 1600s without success.

Nearly 40 years later, Thomas Stregg Jr. purchased a few thousand acres/hectares on the north and south banks of the river, creating the Falls Plantation. The land was passed on to his nephew's son, William Byrd II, who is credited with founding Richmond in 1737. For many decades, Richmond was a quiet and picturesque southern city, and its residents were content with growing tobacco and making parts for ships.

In 1775, at St. John's Church, Patrick Henry proclaimed his desire to fight for freedom from England by ending a speech with the famous words "Give me liberty or give me death!" Although most of the Revolutionary War was fought in northern states, Richmond was a major supplier of cannons and ammunition to the American Army. The fighting arrived at Richmond in January 1781 after Benedict Arnold informed the British of the city's arsenal. Richmond fell to the British, who then marched east and were finally defeated at Yorktown in October of that year.

Richmond played a pivotal role in U.S. history again in the 1860s. Defying U.S. President Abraham Lincoln's antislavery stance, the southern states, including Virginia, seceded from the Union. Led by President Jefferson Davis, The Confederate States of America was formed and Richmond became its new capital. Seven major assaults were made against Richmond during the war, but the city managed to hold out until 2 April 1865, just one week before Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, essentially ending the war.

By the turn of the 20th century, Richmond had recovered fairly well from the Civil War and Reconstruction. The city re-emerged as a key producer of ships, trains, paper and, of course, tobacco. Since the 1950s, Richmond has continued to grow as a business center, serving as the headquarters for several well-known companies.

Potpourri

Richmond is a great literary town. The city has been home to a variety of writers including Edgar Allan Poe, Tom Wolfe, Tom Robbins and Patricia Cornwell.

Richmond's Fan District is the largest intact Victorian neighborhood in the U.S.

The first electric streetcar system in the U.S. began operating in Richmond in 1888.

The Jackson Ward district was called the "Harlem of the South" in the 20s because several African-American stage performers got their start at the Hippodrome Theatre there, including Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Lena Horne and Nat King Cole.

Overview

Introduction

Richmond, British Columbia, is one of three cities that served as host of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The Richmond Olympic Oval, purpose built for the Games, hosted the speed skating competition. Located on the banks of the Fraser River, it's known for being the first Winter Olympics venue at sea level. After the Games, the oval was transformed into a community center and multi-sports arena. Locals and visitors can skate on the ice that once was used for Olympic speed skating.

Overview

Introduction

Only 25 mi/40 km southeast of Lexington, there is plenty to do in Richmond, and you'll certainly find plenty of Kentucky's history. Fort Boonesborough State Park is a reconstruction of Daniel Boone's fort, Kentucky's second settlement. Craftspeople at the fort demonstrate their techniques with tools from the 1700s—it's a living-history experience that's quite well-done.

Take a walking tour of the fine old homes in downtown Richmond, beginning with the Irvinton House Museum where you'll also find the visitors center. Also be sure to visit White Hall State Historic Site

Also in Richmond is the Hummel Space Theater at Eastern Kentucky University. This big planetarium will take you almost 10 billion miles from home and back again.

In Winchester, 20 mi/32 km northeast of Richmond, be sure to see the Clark Mansion (also known as Holly Rood), built by Kentucky's 12th governor, James Clark. Winchester's Thomson subdivision has a large collection of Queen Anne homes that is worth seeing. October-March you're likely to hear cries of "Tally ho!" as the famous Iroquois Hunt Club descends on the area in traditional hunting garb.