Add YOUR Family To This Page
History of Richmond, Virginia, USA
Journey back in time to Richmond, Virginia, USA
Explore Richmond, Virginia, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Richmond Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
The present state capital in Richmond was also the capital of the Confederacy.
Union Passenger Railway was the first successful electric street railway transit agency. It was formed in 1888 at Richmond.
Patrick Henry made his "Give me Liberty or Give me Death" speech in St. John's Church in Richmond.
50states.com
Explore even more about Richmond, Virginia, USA. Keep reading!
Richmond Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Richmond, Virginia, USA
Artwork
Picturesque America: Or, the Land We Live In. A Delineation by Pen and Pencil of the Mountains, Rivers, Lakes... With Illustr. on Steel and Wood, by Eminent American Artists, Volume 1
William C. Bryant
Appleton, 1872
Richmond, Virginia, USA
Artwork
Scene on the Canal
Picturesque America: Or, the Land We Live In. A Delineation by Pen and Pencil of the Mountains, Rivers, Lakes... With Illustr. on Steel and Wood, by Eminent American Artists, Volume 1
William C. Bryant
Appleton, 1872
Richmond, Virginia, USA
Postcard
 Depot, Richmond, Va.){kind=small}
Byrd Street (Union) Depot, Richmond, Va.
Richmond, Virginia, USA
Postcard
Washington Monument, Capitol Square, Richmond, Va.
Richmond, Virginia, USA
Postcard
Old St. Paul's Church and New Parish House, Richmond, Va.
Richmond, Virginia, USA
Advertisement
Corned Beef Hash
packed by
Richmond Abbattoir
Discover Richmond: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Add History/News/Story
1771 - Richmond flooded
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ vatimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ vatimeln.htm
1775 - Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech before the second Virginia Convention at St. John’s Church (formerly Henrico Parish) in Richmond on March 23, 1775.
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ virginia.html
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ virginia.html
1779 - Capital moved from Williamsburg to Richmond
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ vatimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ vatimeln.htm
1781 - January 5 - British naval expedition led by Benedict Arnold burns Richmond, Va
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
1811 - Theater Fire
1811 - December 26 - A theater fire in Richmond, Virginia kills the Governor of Virginia George William Smith and the president of the First National Bank of Virginia Abraham B. Venable.
historyorb.com
1811 - December 26 - A theater fire in Richmond, Virginia kills the Governor of Virginia George William Smith and the president of the First National Bank of Virginia Abraham B. Venable.
historyorb.com
The City of Richmond was officially part of Henrico County until 1842, when it became a fully independent city.
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
1854 - Richmond
Richmond, a city, port of entry, capital of Virginia, and seat of justice of Henrico county, is situated on the left or X. E. bank of James river, at the lower falls, and at the head of tide-water, about 100 miles in a straight line S. by W. from Washington. The distance by railroad is 130 miles from Washington; 168 from Baltimore, and 22 N. from Petersburg. Lat. of the capitol, 37° 32' 17" N., Ion. 77° 27' 28" W. It is the largest town in Virginia, and one of the most beautiful in the Union. The situation of the city and the scenery of the environs are much admired, combining, in a high degree, the elements of grandeur, beauty, and variety. The river, winding among verdant hills which rise with graceful swells and undulations, is interrupted by numerous islands and granite rocks, among which it tumbles and foams for a distance of several miles. The city is built on several hills, the most considerable of which are Shockoe and Richmond hills, separated from each other by Shockoe... Read MORE...
Richmond, a city, port of entry, capital of Virginia, and seat of justice of Henrico county, is situated on the left or X. E. bank of James river, at the lower falls, and at the head of tide-water, about 100 miles in a straight line S. by W. from Washington. The distance by railroad is 130 miles from Washington; 168 from Baltimore, and 22 N. from Petersburg. Lat. of the capitol, 37° 32' 17" N., Ion. 77° 27' 28" W. It is the largest town in Virginia, and one of the most beautiful in the Union. The situation of the city and the scenery of the environs are much admired, combining, in a high degree, the elements of grandeur, beauty, and variety. The river, winding among verdant hills which rise with graceful swells and undulations, is interrupted by numerous islands and granite rocks, among which it tumbles and foams for a distance of several miles. The city is built on several hills, the most considerable of which are Shockoe and Richmond hills, separated from each other by Shockoe... Read MORE...
January 18, 1857 - A great cold storm swept across the Atlantic Seaboard.
Snowfall totals of 12 inches were common, whole gales caused shipwrecks and damage property on islands, and temperatures near zero prevailed from Virginia northward. Great drifts of snow blocked transportation. Richmond VA was cut off from Washington DC for a week.
WeatherForYou.com
January 18, 1857
Snowfall totals of 12 inches were common, whole gales caused shipwrecks and damage property on islands, and temperatures near zero prevailed from Virginia northward. Great drifts of snow blocked transportation. Richmond VA was cut off from Washington DC for a week.
WeatherForYou.com
January 18, 1857
1858 - August 24 - Richmond "Daily Dispatch" reports 90 blacks arrested for learning
historyorb.com
August 24, 1858
historyorb.com
August 24, 1858
1865 - April 2 - CSA President Jefferson Davis flees Confederate capital of Richmond, VA
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
1868 - Indictments have been found at Richmond, Va., against thirty revenue officers, for fraud.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 18, 1868
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 18, 1868
1869 - President's Carriage
A Richmond, Va., junk dealer has sent forward to Boston, to be exhibited at the Peace Jubilee, the old family carriage of Jeff. Davis, used during his Presidency of the Confederate States.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 19, 1869
A Richmond, Va., junk dealer has sent forward to Boston, to be exhibited at the Peace Jubilee, the old family carriage of Jeff. Davis, used during his Presidency of the Confederate States.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 19, 1869
1888 - Union Passenger Railway was the first successful electric street railway transit agency. It was formed in 1888 at Richmond.
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ virginia.html
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ virginia.html
1892 - KILLED BY LIGHTNING
A Man, His Wife and Three Children Found Dead at Richmond, Va.
A family of five persons were killed by lightning a few nights ago at Richmond, Va. They were asleep in their two-story residence, just beyond the eastern corporate limits of the city, when struck. The bedroom was in the upper story. The building was isolated and the windows were raised. The house was set on fire, and the tragedy was discovered by fire issuing from the roof.
The persons killed were DALE EMMETT, thirty-one; ALICE EMMETT, thirty-two; LILIE EMMETT, six; NORMAN EMMETT, three, and a seven months old infant. The father was a carpenter, who, with his friends were there from Westmoreland County, Penna., about a year ago.
When the rescuers reached the room by ladders, MR. EMMETT, his wife and baby, lay in bed, while near by were smouldering[sic] the remains of his six and three year old children.
The family were buried next day, three hearses carrying the bodies to the... Read MORE...
A Man, His Wife and Three Children Found Dead at Richmond, Va.
A family of five persons were killed by lightning a few nights ago at Richmond, Va. They were asleep in their two-story residence, just beyond the eastern corporate limits of the city, when struck. The bedroom was in the upper story. The building was isolated and the windows were raised. The house was set on fire, and the tragedy was discovered by fire issuing from the roof.
The persons killed were DALE EMMETT, thirty-one; ALICE EMMETT, thirty-two; LILIE EMMETT, six; NORMAN EMMETT, three, and a seven months old infant. The father was a carpenter, who, with his friends were there from Westmoreland County, Penna., about a year ago.
When the rescuers reached the room by ladders, MR. EMMETT, his wife and baby, lay in bed, while near by were smouldering[sic] the remains of his six and three year old children.
The family were buried next day, three hearses carrying the bodies to the... Read MORE...
1895 - Richmond
Richmond, a city and port of entry of Virginia, the capital of the state, and the county seat of Henrico co., is situated on the N. bank of James River, at the lower falls, and at the head of tide-water, about 100 miles from its mouth. It is built on several hills, and is surrounded by beautiful and varied scenery. It is about 100 miles in a straight line S. by W. from Washington, 116 miles from that city by rail, and 22 miles N. of Petersburg. Lat. of capitol, 37° 32' 17" N.; lon. 77° 27' 28" W. It is connected with Manchester, on the S. side of the river, by 4 bridges. A bridge also connects it with Belle Isle. The chief thorough fares run N.W. and S.E., nearly parallel with the river front. The capitol and most of the other public buildings are on Shockoe Hill, the top of which is a plain overlooking the river. The capitol building was finished in 1796, and from its size and elevation is the most conspicuous object in the city. In the capitol grounds are the Foley bronze of General ... Read MORE...
Richmond, a city and port of entry of Virginia, the capital of the state, and the county seat of Henrico co., is situated on the N. bank of James River, at the lower falls, and at the head of tide-water, about 100 miles from its mouth. It is built on several hills, and is surrounded by beautiful and varied scenery. It is about 100 miles in a straight line S. by W. from Washington, 116 miles from that city by rail, and 22 miles N. of Petersburg. Lat. of capitol, 37° 32' 17" N.; lon. 77° 27' 28" W. It is connected with Manchester, on the S. side of the river, by 4 bridges. A bridge also connects it with Belle Isle. The chief thorough fares run N.W. and S.E., nearly parallel with the river front. The capitol and most of the other public buildings are on Shockoe Hill, the top of which is a plain overlooking the river. The capitol building was finished in 1796, and from its size and elevation is the most conspicuous object in the city. In the capitol grounds are the Foley bronze of General ... Read MORE...
1900 - Richmond on the James by William Wirt Henry
"And in regions far
Such heroes bring ye forth
As those from whom we come,
And plant our name
Under that star
Not known to our North."
DRAYTON.
On the ? of April, 1606, a patent was issued by James I. of England to Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George. Somers and others for the establishment of a colony in Virginia. The charter prescribed that it was to be managed by a council of thirteen persons, under the direction of a council of thirteen in England. On December the 19th of that year, one hundred and nine years after the discovery of North America by Cabot, three small vessels, the Susan Constant, the God Sped and the Discovery, sailed for the New World, bearing one hundred and twelve passengers and a crew of thirty nine men.
They encountered many perils by sea, having bad weather and losing their reckoning, but the 26th of April, 1607, brought them to the shores of Chesapeake Bay, and they soon entered a noble stream called by the natives the "Powhatan," but renamed by them... Read MORE...
"And in regions far
Such heroes bring ye forth
As those from whom we come,
And plant our name
Under that star
Not known to our North."
DRAYTON.
On the ? of April, 1606, a patent was issued by James I. of England to Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George. Somers and others for the establishment of a colony in Virginia. The charter prescribed that it was to be managed by a council of thirteen persons, under the direction of a council of thirteen in England. On December the 19th of that year, one hundred and nine years after the discovery of North America by Cabot, three small vessels, the Susan Constant, the God Sped and the Discovery, sailed for the New World, bearing one hundred and twelve passengers and a crew of thirty nine men.
They encountered many perils by sea, having bad weather and losing their reckoning, but the 26th of April, 1607, brought them to the shores of Chesapeake Bay, and they soon entered a noble stream called by the natives the "Powhatan," but renamed by them... Read MORE...
1906
Richmond, an independent city and port of entry of Virginia, the capital of the state, formerly in Henrico co., is situated on the N. bank of the James River, at the lower falls, and at the head of tide- water, 125 miles above its mouth and 100 miles in a straight line S. by W. of Washington. Lat. of capitol, 37° 32' 17" N. ; Lon. 77° 27' 28" W. It is connected with Manchester, on the S. side of the river, by several bridges, and the city is also connected by bridge with Belle Isle. The chief railroads centring in or passing through Richmond are the Chesapeake and Ohio, the Southern, the Atlantic Coast, the Norfolk and Western, and the Seaboard Air lines. The city has direct steamer communication with New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and other ports. Richmond, which is one of the most interesting cities of the southern United States, and the chief industrial centre of its state, is regularly laid out, and contains a number of imposing public edifices. Occupying a nearly central... Read MORE...
Richmond, an independent city and port of entry of Virginia, the capital of the state, formerly in Henrico co., is situated on the N. bank of the James River, at the lower falls, and at the head of tide- water, 125 miles above its mouth and 100 miles in a straight line S. by W. of Washington. Lat. of capitol, 37° 32' 17" N. ; Lon. 77° 27' 28" W. It is connected with Manchester, on the S. side of the river, by several bridges, and the city is also connected by bridge with Belle Isle. The chief railroads centring in or passing through Richmond are the Chesapeake and Ohio, the Southern, the Atlantic Coast, the Norfolk and Western, and the Seaboard Air lines. The city has direct steamer communication with New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and other ports. Richmond, which is one of the most interesting cities of the southern United States, and the chief industrial centre of its state, is regularly laid out, and contains a number of imposing public edifices. Occupying a nearly central... Read MORE...
1910 - KILLED BY LIVE WIRE.
Richmond Lineman Touched 3,000-Voltage Current With Ungloved Hand.
Special to The Washington Post.
Richmond, Va., June 21. - In sight of fellow-workmen Grover C. Weber, 25 years old, a lineman, was electrocuted when he caught a 3,000-voltage wire with his ungloved hand this afternoon. He was on a high ladder at the sandhouse of the Virginia Passenger and Power Company, and his body was held until the current was turned off.
Weber had the reputation of being the most reckless of workmen, and many times had been warned by his fellow-workmen. He was the sole support of his widowed mother and two sisters.
The Washington Post
Washington, D.C.
June 22, 1910
Richmond Lineman Touched 3,000-Voltage Current With Ungloved Hand.
Special to The Washington Post.
Richmond, Va., June 21. - In sight of fellow-workmen Grover C. Weber, 25 years old, a lineman, was electrocuted when he caught a 3,000-voltage wire with his ungloved hand this afternoon. He was on a high ladder at the sandhouse of the Virginia Passenger and Power Company, and his body was held until the current was turned off.
Weber had the reputation of being the most reckless of workmen, and many times had been warned by his fellow-workmen. He was the sole support of his widowed mother and two sisters.
The Washington Post
Washington, D.C.
June 22, 1910
1910 - Students Have Narrow Escapes in College Fire
Richmond, Va., Dec. 25 - The north wing of Ryland Hall, the main building of Richmond College, erected in 1854, was ruined by fire of unknown origin at an early hour today. The estimated loss is $60,000, covered by insurance. Many students had narrow escapes but none was hurt.
Boston Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
December 26, 1910
Richmond, Va., Dec. 25 - The north wing of Ryland Hall, the main building of Richmond College, erected in 1854, was ruined by fire of unknown origin at an early hour today. The estimated loss is $60,000, covered by insurance. Many students had narrow escapes but none was hurt.
Boston Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
December 26, 1910
1935 - January 24 – The first canned beer is sold in Richmond, Virginia, United States, by Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company
wikipedia.org
January 24, 1935
wikipedia.org
January 24, 1935
1972 - June 7 - Richmond VA experienced its worst flood of record as rains from Hurricane Agnes pushed the water level at the city locks to a height of 36.5 feet, easily topping the previous record of thirty feet set in 1771.
The Weather Channel
June 7, 1972
The Weather Channel
June 7, 1972
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Richmond:
Virginia State Capitol: Start your exploration of Richmond's history at the State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson. Take a tour to learn about its historical significance and enjoy the beautiful architecture.
Maymont: This 100-acre estate features a Gilded Age mansion, stunning gardens, and a variety of animals, including bears, bison, and birds of prey. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.
Hollywood Cemetery: This historic cemetery is the final resting place for several famous figures, including two U.S. Presidents, James Monroe and John Tyler. The picturesque grounds are perfect for a peaceful walk.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Explore the beautiful gardens and conservatory at Lewis Ginter. It's a lovely place to enjoy nature, with seasonal events and garden exhibitions.
Museum of Fine Arts: Art lovers will appreciate the extensive collection of art, spanning from ancient Egypt to the present day. It's free to enter and offers a fantastic... Read MORE...
Virginia State Capitol: Start your exploration of Richmond's history at the State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson. Take a tour to learn about its historical significance and enjoy the beautiful architecture.
Maymont: This 100-acre estate features a Gilded Age mansion, stunning gardens, and a variety of animals, including bears, bison, and birds of prey. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.
Hollywood Cemetery: This historic cemetery is the final resting place for several famous figures, including two U.S. Presidents, James Monroe and John Tyler. The picturesque grounds are perfect for a peaceful walk.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Explore the beautiful gardens and conservatory at Lewis Ginter. It's a lovely place to enjoy nature, with seasonal events and garden exhibitions.
Museum of Fine Arts: Art lovers will appreciate the extensive collection of art, spanning from ancient Egypt to the present day. It's free to enter and offers a fantastic... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Richmond Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Richmond, Virginia, USA
We currently have information about 69 ancestors who were born or died in Richmond.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Richmond, Virginia, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Richmond.View Them Now
Genealogy Resources for Richmond
Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Richmond
Get TODAY's Amazon Deals NOW!TARIFFS making you CRAZY? Check out Amazon Haul. Get good stuff CHEAP here!
Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
Not the place you are looking for? Try again!
Search for YOUR Family by Place
Our Genealogy Gift Ideas
Ancestry Family Tree Search
Search for YOUR Family by Name
NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 10/28/2024 2:59:09 PM