Church Hill in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Adams-Van Lew House

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 7, 2009

1. Adams-Van Lew House Marker

Inscription. Richmond mayor Dr. John Adams built a mansion here in 1802. It became the residence of Elizabeth Van Lew (1818-1900) whose father obtained it in 1836. During the Civil War, Elizabeth Van Lew led a Union espionage operation. African Americans, such as Van Lew's associate Mary Jane Richards (whose story closely parallels that of legendary spy Mary Elizabeth Bowser), served in Richmond's Unionist underground. Van Lew served as postmaster of Richmond from 1869 to 1877. Maggie Lena Walker, nationally known African American businesswoman, banker, and leader of the Independent Order of St. Luke, was born here by 1867. The house was razed in 1911 and in 1912 the Bellevue School was erected in its place.

Erected 2005 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-69.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1802.

Location. 37° 31.88′ N, 77° 25.248′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Church Hill. Marker is on East Grace Street near North 24th Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23223, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. Elizabeth Van Lew (a few steps from this marker); Mary Elizabeth Bowser (a few steps from this marker); Ann Carrington House (within shouting distance of this marker); Hilary Baker House (within shouting distance of this marker); George Wythe (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 205 North 23rd Street (about 300 feet away); 2214-2220 E. Grace Street (about 400 feet away); Welcome to Historic St. John’s Church (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . . Elizabeth L. Van Lew. Encyclopedai Virginia (Submitted on February 7, 2009.)

Site of Adams-Van Lew House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 7, 2009

2. Site of Adams-Van Lew House

Van Lew House, Richmond, Va. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tuck & Sons', 1906

3. Van Lew House, Richmond, Va.

The Van Lew House is probably one of the best examples of Colonial architecture. The date of erection is not known, but additions were made in 1792. The original grant was made to Sir William Byrd; in 1834 it came into the possession of Mr. John Van Lew, and during the Civil War was occupied by his daughter, Lizzie, the famous Union spy, who here secreted hundreds of Union soldiers. The house is now owned and occupied by the Virginia Club. VCU Libraries Digital Collections - Rarely Seen Richmond

Elizabeth Van Lew mansion, Richmond, Va. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Detroit Publishing Co., circa 1910

4. Elizabeth Van Lew mansion, Richmond, Va.

Library of Congress [LC-D4-33908]

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 5,314 times since then and 121 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 7, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 4, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on March 22, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.