Richmond Historical Tourism
Richmond is the capital of Virginia and is teeming with historical sites, landmarks and homes. Richmond served as the capital of the confederacy during the Civil War and visitors can visit the Chimborazo Park where there are eleven different sites of battles and historical events covering 763 acres. While there, visitors can see the Chimborazo Medical Museum free of charge which stands at the same site that the Chimborazo Hospital was located during the Civil War. Civil War buffs can also check out the Museum of the Confederacy which houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of artifacts from 1961 to 1965. The Virginia Historical Society contains nine gallery exhibits which are sure to please all. The museum also houses an extensive library for Virginia historical and genealogical research. Agecroft Hall was originally built in the 15th century and is unique because it was dismantled and transported to Richmond for reconstruction in 1928. The English manor features original Tudor and Stuart artifacts and furnishings. Edgar Allan Poe was very fond of the city and lived there for a short while. To commemorate his presence in Richmond, The Edgar Allan Poe Museum has documented his life with photos and his writings and also includes several of his possessions and personal memorabilia. Meadow Farm Museum and Crump Park feature a living farm which recreates the life of a typical 1860’s middle class American family. The Valentine Museum is a great place to learn about Richmond and its history as that is the focus of this museum which features changing exhibits on Richmond culture and history. Hollywood Cemetery is famous for its residents which include James Monroe, John Tyler and several prominent confederate leaders including J.E.B. Stuart. It has been in existence since 1847 and features spectacular views of the James River and city skyline. It is also often a popular walking or jogging venue for Richmonders because of its pleasant scenery and views as well as varying terrain. Monument Avenue is known for its many large monuments honoring historical figures such as: General Robert E. Lee, General “Stonewall” Jackson, and Arthur Ashe Jr. It is also the location of the famous Ukrops Monument 10K annual event. There are many more historical sites and museums that Richmond has to offer and these are just some of the highlights. As a local resident these are a few of the locations that I would be sure to take an out of town visitor to show the historical significance of the diverse and vibrant city!
The Valentine Museum (804)649-0711. 1015 E. Clay St.
Edgar Allan Poe Museum (804)648-5523 E. Main St.
Agecroft Hall (804)353-4241 4305 Sulgrave Rd.
The Virginia Historical Society (804)358-4901 428 N. Boulevard
Museum of the Confederacy (804)649-1861 1201 E. Clay St
Chimborazo Park Visitor’s Center (804)226-1981 3215 E. Broad St.
Meadow Farm Museum/Crump Park (804)501-5520 3400 Mountain
Hollywood Cemetery (804)648-8501 Albemarle St.
Article 2 Fun Things to do in Richmond
As the capital of Virginia, Richmond has plenty of entertaining activities for everyone. A venue that is unique to Richmond is Maymont which includes a variety of things to see for all ages. Maymont features the historical Dooley Mansion open to the public for tours, a Nature Center which houses various aquatic species native to the Richmond area, a Children’s Farm where children may feed and pet goats and visit with pigs, bunnies and donkeys. It encompasses over 100 acres of outdoor park where visitors can see black bears, red tail hawks and other species or enjoy a walk through the picturesque Italian and Japanese Gardens. Richmond is home to The Science Museum of Virginia which features impressive rotating exhibits and three floors of exploration and interactive learning. The Children’s Museum of Richmond is located next door and is a definite favorite of both parents and children alike. For NASCAR fans, be sure to catch the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series races at the Richmond International Raceway. Of course, no trip to Richmond would be complete without a visit to the James River which can be accessed in several various locations for swimming, white water rafting, fishing, kayaking and just sitting by and enjoying! For a complete listing of parks that offer river access as well as other outdoor activities visit: http://www.richmondgov.com/parks. For sports fans Richmond has a lot to offer from United Soccer Leagues Second Division Champions the Richmond Kickers to minor league baseball The Richmond Flying Squirrels, the AA affiliates of the San Francisco Giants. Richmond is also home to two nationally ranked college athletic teams, the NCAA finalists Virginia Commonwealth University Men’s Basketball and division champions University of Richmond Football. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens are open year round and there is always something blooming to make your visit well worthwhile. Newly added is the Children’s Area which includes enough activity and play areas to entertain the kids for hours! Richmond is conveniently located two hours away from Washington D.C., less than an hour and a half from Blue ridge Mountain hiking trails, and less than an hour from Paramount’s Kings Dominion along with other popular attractions. For more information about the many activities, sites and adventures that Richmond has to offer visit http://www.richmondgov.com/.
Maymont House and Park: (804)358-7166 1700 Hampton St
Science Museum of Virginia (804)864-1400 or 800.659.1727 2500 West Broad St.
Children’s Museum of Richmond (804)474-7000 2626 West Broad St
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens 804-262-9887 1800 Lakeside Avenue
