15 Historic Places in Richmond Virginia
Even though Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War, this Virginia city is known for so much more with endless historic places to visit.
Just a little over an hour away from Staunton, Richmond has a stunning mix of historical sites that involve art and even nature.
Here are the top historic places in Richmond, Virginia!
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Historic Places in Richmond, Virginia
1. Edgar Allan Poe Museum
Commemorating Poe’s impact on American literature, this museum serves as a memory of Poe’s presence in Richmond.
Even though he didn’t live in the house, this museum will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to when Edgar Allan Poe was alive.
2. Maymont
This 19th-century estate is one of the most popular locations to visit in Richmond. Maymont is comprised of not just a beautiful mansion but also a few gardens for events like weddings.
The Dooleys built this elegant mansion and also created Swannanoa, which rests on Afton mountain.
James Dooley made a great impact on the South’s economy during the post-reconstruction period. He took on land development and railway projects, living a life filled with wealth.
Today, Maymont remains free and open to the public but willingly accepts donations. You can explore the Japanese and Italian gardens, learn more about the Dooleys on a tour of the mansion, or venture to the wildlife exhibit.
3. Hollywood Cemetery
This large cemetery may just look like a regular cemetery at a glance, but the history of this cemetery overlooking the James River goes as deep as the rolling hills.
The cemetery rests two U.S. presidents and many Confederate generals.
The gothic landscape and local legends surrounding certain tombs have drawn people from all over the country.
4. Carytown
The center of it all, Carytown offers endless activities to do for family and even college students looking to eat out and shop on the weekend.
The colorful town includes vintage shops and indie boutiques for every kind of interest like video games and pets.
The most notable attraction in Carytown is the Byrd Theatre which occasionally plays fan-favorite movies.
5. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
This special museum is located in historic Richmond and includes a plethora of art styles, ranging from African Art to children exhibitions. Be on the lookout for new artists or exhibitions on their website, so you can plan your visit!
It is also home to Himalayan and Indian art pieces. The best part about this museum is that admission is free except for special exhibitions.
6. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The 50 acres of land at the Lewis Botanical Garden offers stunning garden themes making this attraction well worth the trip.
Just like with most botanical gardens, Richmond’s biggest garden allows visitors from across the country to soak in the garden by attending holiday events.
Venture around the property by visiting Asian Valley, Children’s Garden, or the Cherry Tree Walk. Once you take a trip to this lovely garden, you will see the reason why it’s been praised for its beauty by USA Today.
7. Virginia Capitol Building
The nation’s oldest legislative building is one of the best historic places in Richmond, Virginia. The Colonial architecture takes visitors back to 1785 when Thomas Jefferson was alive.
The best part about the building is that it was the first public building like a classic Roman temple in the New World.
Keep in mind that the building is closed to the public until December 22 for construction projects, so plan your trip accordingly.
8. Richmond Canal Walk
Stretching 1.25 miles along the James River, Richmond’s historic canal walk has continued to be the center of entertainment for locals and visitors.
Take a small boat ride on the canal to learn more in-depth history about the area.
For parking to walk on the canal, plan on parking along 5th Street and Riverside Drive.
9. St. John’s Episcopal Church
One of America’s most important historic sites, St. John’s church in Richmond held the 1775 second Virginia convention that witnessed a few historic figures make an impact on the colonies like Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson.
In November, the famous church opens the door up to tours during the week for students and large groups. Be sure to check their website for times and dates for your trip.
10. Agecroft Hall and Gardens
A Tudor mansion built in 16th century England, the house was disassembled and transported overseas to what is now a tourist attraction open to the public.
Learn about cool artifacts and wander the grounds of the beautiful garden near the James River.
I personally found the tour of Agecroft Hall to be brimming with interesting stories and objects tied back to royalty.
Book your tickets in advance on their website!
10. The John Marshall House
Step back in time to the 19th century when visiting this supreme court justice house.
The furniture and the architecture have been preserved to remind locals and visitors alike about the important fourth Supreme Court justice of the United States.
Learn about the enslaved people who worked in this historic preservation through online or in-person tours!
11. Byrd Park Pumphouse
This Victorian gothic architecture style building is one of the most unique historic places in Richmond, Virginia.
Besides the building where they hold tours and other special events like a reading of Edgar Allan Poe, this historical place also has nature trails and a waterfall for people who love exploring nature.
The most interesting part about this Byrd Park Pumphouse is the dark history that involves a connection to a blood-sucking legend.
12. Virginia Holocaust Museum
Experience a historical and emotional adventure as you walk through the Virginia Holocaust Museum. Learn more in detail about the survivors of the holocaust that decided to reside in Richmond.
There is an exhibit that lasts until December 30, 2022, that displays the violent far-right extremist event that took place five years ago.
13. Maggie L Walker National Historic Site
Home to the first African American bank president, this Victorian house is an important landmark for Virginia locals.
The tour gives a glimpse into Maggie’s life and her empowering actions for educational opportunities, civil rights, and economics.
She was a leader during the Jim Crow era when African Americans were struggling to vote. Book a tour through the website today!
14. American Civil War Museum
You can’t visit Richmond without going to one of the iconic museums. This civil war museum shows the impacts of the war through three perspectives, North, South, and African Americans.
The museum provides the reasons why the Civil War took place and the consequences that followed the end of the war.
15. White House of the Confederacy
Most people visit this historical landmark in Richmond alongside the Civil War museum. The White House of the Confederacy offers tours and exhibits. This house in particular served as the home for Jefferson Davis and his family.
The perk about visiting this site is that parking is free and is available at the MCV visitor parking deck on 12th Street.
Most Richmond locals will probably tell you that there is not much to do; however, Richmond, Virginia has to be one of the most artistic and historical places on the east coast.
Save this guide to plan your trip to these historic places in Richmond, Virginia! You can even book wine tours or food tours to capture the unique food scene of Richmond.
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