Richmond Things to Do Tips by ATXtraveler

Richmond's Main Street Train Station Richmond's Main Street Train Station Review

During my walk around Richmond, I enjoyed a great dose of Americana in the 17th Street Farmer's market, a wonderful lunch at Papa Ningo, and was ready for my after lunch nap when we ventured over to the Main Street Station in the heart of Richmond. This old gal opened at the turn of the 20th century, and still looks as beautiful as the day she opened. From my tour guide's information, it was not the smoothest of rides for this particular station, as in the late 60's it became flooded and was forced to close. Since that time, it has been used as an office building, a shopping mall, and finally restored back to its heritage as a commuter train hub for the surrounding cities. The interior of the building is in immaculate condition, as it is under a major renovation project. There are still remnants of a time long passed when riding the rails was a sheik and exciting experience. I would definitely urge a visit to the Main Street Station as you walk the city of Richmond!

Address: 1500 East Main Street

Directions: Located two blocks down Main Street from 17th Street Farmer's Market.

Phone: 804-646-MAIN (6246)

Jackson Ward

Jackson Ward is a historically African-American section of Richmond, which is steeped in history. Prior to the War between the States, this area was known for its population of both freed blacks and slaves, and immigratants from all over the world, particularly in Europeans and Jews. In the later years, it also became one of the most significant centers for African American based business, like the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, Southern Aid Insurance Company, and the Richmond Planet Newspaper. The ward has been a National Historic Landmark since 1978, with specific historic sites like the Maggie Walker House and Armstrong High School as its centerpiece.
Start your walking tour of this area at Maggie Walker's house at 110 1/2 East Leigh Street.

Address: 110 1/2 East Leigh Street

Directions: Belvidere to 1st Street and Jackson Street to Marshall Street

Maggie Walker National Historic Site Maggie Walker House Review

Maggie Walker was definitely a pioneer. Not the sort of pioneer that took a covered wagon out into the wild in search for gold or farming land, but a pioneer in the history of civil rights and equality. Maggie Walker was the type of woman who would not take no for an answer, and would fight for the freedoms that America is known for.

From the time she was 14 years old, she was in a constant move forward by educating herself, working her way up working with the Order of St. Luke and eventually opened up a Penny Savings Bank in Richmond to help end the cycle of poverty for African Americans in Richmond. The home that she worked so hard to build and maintain is now a national historic monument as tribute to what she went through to make it in America.

This site and the historical facts surrounding the site are well worth the price of admission, and the home and area around the home are open to the public through a guided tour hosted by the National Park Service. I would highly recommend putting this tour high on your agenda.

Address: 110-1/2 E. Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23219

Directions: Located inside Jackson Ward.

Phone: (804) 771-2017

Website: http://www.nps.gov/mawa/index.htm

White House of the Confederacy White House of the Confederacy Review

While in the heart of Richmond, it is appropriate for you to visit the heart of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis' residence during the time. It is known as the White House of the Confederacy, although in comparison to the White House in Washington, this building meant alot more. This particular building was not only a residence, but also a site of Jefferson Davis' home office, and even the main living areas were turned into strategic war planning centers.

The historic information regarding this building shows that it was built in 1818 by Dr. John Brockenbrough, and went through a couple owners prior to the Davis' occupying it. It was owned and occupied until 1865 when the Davis family fled south through to Georgia, before eventually trying to flee west to avoid Union troops. The building continued on longer than the Confederacy however by being converted into the headquarters for the US occupation. After the war had completely ended, the building was converted into a public school. While inside in the tour, both Nat and I wondered how in the world they kept some of the artifacts of the Davis' reign intact with school children running around!

In 1890 after it had served its sentence with the children, the Confederate Memorial Literary Society purchased the buildings and began restoring it. It was the home to the Museum of the Confederacy for almost 80 years until it became completely restored to just a memory of the famous residents that lived there.

Admission is $8 for just the White House, or $11 for the combo with the Museum.

Monday- Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday 12-5 pm

Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day

Address: 12th and Clay streets, Richmond, VA

Directions: Located directly next to the Museum of the Confederacy.

Other Contact: info@moc.org

Phone: 804-649-1861

Website: http://www.moc.org

Richmond's Museum of the Confederacy

Despite your feelings on the Civil War, or more passionately known as the War of Northern Aggression, it is always in the best interest of knowledge to understand both sides of an issue. While some may contend the war was over slavery and others would say States rights, the fact of the matter is there was only one loser in this battle, everyone.

People that today are just called Americans lost relatives who fought for both sides, and a beautiful memorial to those people are located here in Richmond, VA. A rich amount of Confederacy era artifacts are carefully preserved here, with a very coherent timeline of events and excellent pictoral representations. Each state in the confederacy is shown, and I even learned something new about battles that occurred in New Mexico!

Inside you will find over 500 flags, 300 edged weapons and close to 200 firearms from the period. Uniforms, paintings and sculptures line the walls so you could really get a feel of what it was like during this epic war.

Admission was $11 dollars for the Museum and the conducted tour of the White House of the Confederacy located next door.

Labor Day to Memorial Day

Monday- Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
Sunday 12-5 pm

Closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day

Summer Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day

Monday- Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday 12- 5 pm

Free Parking in the adjacent MCV Visitors Deck

Address: 1201 E. Clay Street

Other Contact: info@moc.org

Phone: 804-649-1861

Website: http://www.moc.org