Touring Virginia's capital is a rare treat. Richmond, the state's fifth largest city, is a true gem. It has ties to the Revolutionary War, and Business Broadband also a Confederate capital. The city retains an Old South atmosphere in a modern center of business and finance.
The perfect place to start your visit is St. John's Church. This National Historic Landmark was built in 1741. As the first church in Richmond, it is one of the oldest wooden buildings in the state. Patrick Henry gave Streamyx famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech here in 1775. Notable Virginians are buried in nearby Hollywood Cemetery.
Confederate President, Jefferson Davis and his family lived in the Southern White House (c. 1818). The columned mansion is newly refurbished; eleven rooms are open to the public. It is the premier artifact of the Confederacy and a National Historic Landmark. It is also much like Mt. Streamyx Combo Package for authenticity.
The adjacent Museum of the Confederacy boasts more artifacts, photos and documents from the Confederacy than any other site. Three floors display weapons, uniforms, 550 regimental flags, and the personal effects of soldiers and their families. One of the most treasured items is Robert E. Lee's sword.
Virginia's General Assembly is the oldest legislative body in America. The Capitol, located on Capital Square, is the second oldest US state house in continuous use. Thomas Jefferson designed the building, one of only 13 state houses without a central Send Sms From Pc Aaron Burr stood trial for treason in Old Hall. A 20-foot statue of Washington on horseback is prominently displayed on the grounds.
The Governor's Mansion (c. 1811) is the oldest continually inhabited executive residence in America. It, too, is a National Historic Landmark. Four American presidents lived in the mansion. Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe & John Tyler were Virginia governors. William Henry Harrison lived there when his father was governor.
Old City Hall, an 1894 Victorian Gothic building, is nearby. Tmnet Streamyx Package corner tower is unique. Within its 3-foot granite walls, an interior courtyard of painted cast-iron rises three stories.
Iron was one of Richmond's early industries. The city's foundries prospered with the growth of railroads, then made weapons and ammunition for the Confederate Army. The most famous foundry was Tredegar Iron Works, built in 1833. Tredegar made the iron plating for the CSS Virginia - the former USS Merrimac.
Tredegar is now home to The American Civil War Center, opened in 2006. More than a museum, it's a diary of the Civil War told through stories of those who fought - northern, southern and slaves. The Center documents how the war affected the nation before, during and after the conflict. An antique steam engine, used to transport ore to the foundry, stands outside.
Richmond National Battlefield Park's Visitor Center is also housed at Tredegar. Eighteen National Historic Sites nearby include forts, fields, a naval battle site, old earthworks, and a prison camp. There is also a visitor center at Chimborazo, the south's largest military hospital.
Canal Walk is a bit more than a mile stroll from Tredegar to historic Shockoe Slip. George Washington proposed the canals to circumvent the James River rapids. Maps, signs and bronze markers explain the history as you walk. A pedestrian bridge not far from Tredegar crosses to Belle Isle, a rocky island. During the Civil War, Belle Isle was a military prison. Equipped to handle 3,000, there were as many as 10,000 prisoners in 1863.
Shockoe Slip in Old Richmond is a blend of cafes, microbreweries, galleries, shops and one of the oldest farmer's markets in the country. Local fairs have been held here since the 1740's. Shop the open-air market Thursday through Sunday mornings.
A favorite with locals and tourists is The Tobacco Company, a first-class restaurant in an old tobacco warehouse. TTC is an elegant Victorian experience: three floors with a vintage elevator, white linens, and a 1920's cigarette girl. Don't miss it!
Another must-see is Agecroft Hall. An authentic Tudor manor, Agecroft was built in England in the 1400's. It was moved to Richmond, stone by stone, in the 1920's. Furnishings date from the late 1500's to mid-1600's. (Think Queen Mary and James I.) Twenty-three acres of formal gardens and lawns surround the mansion.
Maymont is another stately country mansion. Built in 1893 during the era of Newport and Biltmore Estate, it was home to financier, James Dooley and his wife. Like the famous Hershey's, Dooley's had no children. When James' wife, Sallie, died in 1925, the estate was willed to the city. Most of the furnishings are original. The gardens are exceptional! Maymont is unique because it was unaltered by any subsequent residents. Also at Maymont is The Robbins Nature and Visitor Center. View the collection of antique carriages. Native Virginia wildlife can be seen at the Nature Center.
Tour other historic homes at the Valentine Richmond History Center. Wickham House was built in 1812. John Wickham was Aaron Burr's defense attorney. The house is magnificent, with a freestanding spiral staircase in the entry hall. Also at the Center are Chief Justice John Marshall's home (Marshall was the presiding justice at Burr's trial), the Black History Museum, and the Edward Valentine studio, a noted local sculptor.
There is much more to sample in and around Richmond but we don't have room to tell you more. Richmond is a small-town city with a lot of appeal for everyone. Enjoy true Southern hospitality in this urban gem. Y'all come ...
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