Historic Sites in Short Pump

"The imposing white Capitol was built in 1785 to 1788 to the design of Thomas Jefferson, who modeled it after the Roman temple known as the Maison Carree in Nimes, France. Several major events in Confederate history took place here, including the ratification of Virginia's secession and Robert E. Lee's appointment as commander of the Southern army. The statue of George Washington in the lobby was the work of Jean-Antoine Houdon."

"Not many know this, but the Virginia State Capitol is the second oldest functioning capitol in the United States. Designed 1785 by Thomas Jefferson, he based the structure of the capitol on his inspiration, a Roman temple Maison Carree. The architecture of the capitol is indeed a thing of beauty and worth ogling at."

"Thomas Jefferson and French architect Charles-Louis Clérisseau designed it in the late 18th century. It became a focal point for historic moments following its completion in 1788. Notably, it served as the Capitol of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War."

"The Poe Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the life and works of a famous literary master, Edgar Allan Poe, and it is also home to the world’s finest collection of his works. Known as “America's Shakespeare,” Edgar Allan Poe was a master of a variety of literary genres, ranging from short stories and fiction to lyric poetry and horror stories. The museum’s collection includes first editions, manuscripts, letters, and memorabilia from his life and provides a closer look at his life in early nineteenth century, Richmond."

"At the base of Church Hill, Shockoe Bottom is the home of the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. The museum pays tribute to Poe’s time in Richmond and traces his eerie story through the rest of Virginia and beyond. Peek at original manuscripts, first edition novels, personal belongings, and portraits of the famously morose author, and take time to kiss the Poe bust in the museum’s courtyard, built to reflect the verses found in one of Poe’s inspired literary works."

"Contains the world's largest collection of manuscripts and memorabilia of poet and horror-writer Edgar Allan Poe, who lived and worked in Richmond. Exhibits include the first printing of 'The Raven,' Poe's vest,... Top ChoiceNotable Building in Richmond"

"Richmond is packed with history, so we thought we would push back breakfast and start the day at an inspiring destination: the Maggie L. Walker National Historical Site. Walker spent her entire life working towards equality for African Americans, especially women, making countless important contributions that helped lay the foundation for future Civil Rights movements throughout the United States. Before visiting the museum, watch a short film that details Walker’s rise from an African American woman born at the end of the Civil War to a community leader and hero. Continue the tour next door at Maggie Walker’s historic home, allowing visitors a chance to walk the same halls as this distinguished Richmond resident."

"Maggie Lena Walker may not be a household name but she’s a legend in Virginia, especially Richmond. The educator, activist, and entrepreneur was the first Black woman to charter a bank in the United States. Walker’s Jackson Ward home is now a National Historic Site and the location for a 30 to 45-minute ranger-led tour."

"John Marshall House was the home of the distinguished jurist and is one of the few remaining Federal-style homes in the area. The fourth Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, Marshall served from 1801 to 1835, and his court opinions established several crucial concepts of constitutional government. Most important of these was making the Supreme Court an equal branch of government with the Congress and the president, and reinforcing the principle that federal law took priority over state laws."

"You need to plan ahead to photograph your session at Virginia House. This historic venue in Richmond’s Windsor Farms is available to use for photography after you’ve reserved the venue and paid the hourly rate (with a 2-hour minimum rental.) During business hours, this would cost in the neighborhood of $200. If the weather turns out to be nice, their grounds outside are lovely and offer tons of opportunities for great photo backdrops!"

"Virginia House is a beautifully preserved English manor house owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society. Relocated to Richmond in 1925, the original house was designed by Alexander and Virginia Weddell in the form of a sixteenth century English manor house with modern amenities. It rests atop a hill overlooking the James River."

"Sanford Biggers, Codex, Installation View, VCUarts Anderson Gallery|© Terry Brown. The Anderson Gallery at the VCU’s School of Art is a non-profit art space benefitting from a long history and rich, progressive tradition. Although the art space was originally founded in 1930, the gallery as we now know it has been exhibiting and evolving for the last 35 years, with a passion that’s visible in every show."

"The Reynolds Gallery spans 4,400-square feet and hosts 15 exhibitions each year. Located at 1514 West Main Street, the gallery displays and sells many pieces of art created by local and international talent and includes emerging artists such as Ellsworth Kelly and Jasper Johns."

"2500 West Broad Street, Richmond VA 23220   Phone: 804.864.1400 At the Science Museum of Virginia your child can enjoy hundreds of unique hands-on exhibits that encourage your child to have fun while exploring science. There are permanent exhibits – Speed, Boost, Lightspace (for the 5 and under crowd). In addition there are ever changing traveling and seasonal exhibits."

"Anyone can marvel over the Science Museum of Virginia's exhibits, whether you're a science geek or not. There’s not one, not two, but three floors of exhibits with many of them encouraging hands-on play. You can learn everything from the world of bugs to how energy works, and even more than 50 exhibits on how speed operates."

"One of the three locations for the American Civil War Museum, Historic Tredegar is located near Brown's Island and Belle Isle on downtown Richmond's riverfront. It also shares a site with the Richmond National Battlefield Park Visitor Center. The Historic Tredegar is a private museum associated with the American Civil War Museum based on the location of the Tredegar Iron Works, once the third-largest iron manufacturer in the United States."

"The American Civil War Museum is located in Downtown Richmond. Sitting right on the James River, the museum is located inside the ruins of Tredegar Iron Works. It’s 30,000 square feet with over 120,000 artifacts, much of which is not war-based."

"Part of the multisite American Civil War Museum, this fascinating exhibit – housed inside an 1861 iron works that at its height employed 800 free and slave laborers – explores the causes and course of the Civil..."

"This 25,000-square foot facility features five galleries and studio spaces where artists can create, display, and sell their artwork. Located at 320 Hull Street, Art Works houses a number of permanent artists and includes up-and-coming sculptures such as James Ross and Steven Lloyd."