Richmond, VA, has played a fundamental role in the history of America. Many people have excellent knowledge about the city, interestingly, has a couple of mysteries at its disposal, and they are sure to captivate you.
Richmond and its encompassing communities draw in numerous new residents attracted to the magnificence, lifestyle, and rich history that distinguishes it from other cities.
Whether you’re new to Richmond or live in the city, there’s a ton to adore about residing or vacationing in the Richmond, VA region.
Here are 10 Mind-Blowing Fun Facts about Richmond, Virginia.
1. Richmond has been recognized being a “foodie city”.
The city also claims the invention of the sailor sandwich, which includes pastrami, knockwurst, Swiss cheese, and mustard on rye bread. Richmond is also where, in 1935, canned beer was made commercially available for the first time.
2. The Richmond Union Passenger Railway
The Richmond Union Passenger Railway, in Richmond, Virginia, was the first practical electric trolley (tram) system, and set the pattern for most subsequent electric trolley systems around the world.
3. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, or VMFA
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, or VMFA, is an art museum in Richmond, which opened in 1936.
One of the first museums in the American South to be operated by state funds. It is also one of the largest art museums in North America. VMFA ranks as one of the top ten comprehensive art museums in the United States.
4. American Civil War Museum
The American Civil War Museum is a multi-site museum in the Greater Richmond Region of central Virginia.
It is devoted to the history of the American Civil War. The museum operates three sites: The White House of the Confederacy, the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar in Richmond, and the American Civil War Museum at Appomattox. It maintains a comprehensive collection of artifacts, manuscripts, Confederate imprints (books and pamphlets), and photographs.
5. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, botanical garden in Richmond, Virginia’s Lakeside neighborhood. It features a conservatory, library cafe, and tea house restaurant. Regular daily admission is $14 for adults, $11 for seniors, $8 for children (age 3-12), and under age 3 are free.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden also hosts selected days where admission is free and is part of the Museums for All program, offering discounts and membership to those with a SNAP/EBT card.
6. Maymont
Maymont is a 40-hectare (100-acre) Victorian estate and public park in Richmond. It contains Maymont Mansion, now a historic house museum, an arboretum, formal gardens, a carriage collection, native wildlife exhibits, a nature center, and a Children’s Farm. In 1893, James H. Dooley, a wealthy Richmond lawyer, and philanthropist, and his wife, Sallie, completed their elaborate Gilded Age estate on a site high above the James River. According to their wishes, after their deaths, Maymont was left to the people of Richmond.
7. Virginia is a leader in the eco-friendly movement.
Virginia has been at the forefront of eco-friendly travel for decades, influencing the movement hugely with the establishment of Earth Day.
The Virginia Department of Forestry reports that 62 percent of the Commonwealth is forested. Explore these pristine woods with a hike on a scenic trail or a cycling adventure in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital.
8. Maggie Lena Walker breaks barriers.
America’s first woman-run bank was established in Richmond. Not only was it the first bank set up by a woman, but even more impressively, by a black woman in the era of the South’s Jim Crow Laws; Maggie Lena Walker chartered St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in 1903, breaking incredible barriers and inspiring Richmond’s black community as a successful businesswoman. In addition to founding the bank, Walker became the bank’s first president and later chairman of the board of directors, creating a safe space for black bank patrons to do business.
Visit the Maggie Lena Walker National Historic Site in Richmond’s Jackson-Ward neighborhood to learn more about this incredible leader from Virginia.
9. A Tennis Legend called Richmond home.
Virginia has been at the forefront of eco-friendly travel for decades, influencing the movement hugely with the establishment of Earth Day.
The Virginia Department of Forestry reports that 62 percent of the Commonwealth is forested. Explore these pristine woods with a hike on a scenic trail or a cycling adventure in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital.
10. Richmond Virginia Island in the River.
Richmond is so unique that you can find two majors island in the river. Those rivers are called Brown’s Island and Belle Isle. You can enjoy free outdoor concerts and festivals by visiting the Brown Island during the summer and spring.
Virginia’s capital city of Richmond offers something for every style of explorer, whether you’re in the mood for outdoor adventures, eclectic art, or creative cuisine. This historic town has thoroughly modern sensibilities that first-time visitors are sure to appreciate.