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

Brown’s Island

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

1. Brown’s Island Marker

Inscription. Brown’s Island is named for Elijah Brown who acquired it in 1826. Brown came from Rhode Island in 1811 to be a gunsmith at the Virginia Manufactory of Arms. In 1818, he entered the Public Guard, which was stationed at the Manufactory, and served as Lieutenant and Paymaster. For a time the Island was called Neilson’s Island, after a subsequent owner, but the name Brown’s Island eventually stuck.

Since Elijah Brown’s day, the island has had a varied history, sketched in plaques around the island. In 1982, the City of Richmond traded Gambles Hill Park to the Ethyl Corporation for Brown’s Island. After improvements sponsored by the James River Discovery Program, the island became part of the City’s James River Park in 1987.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.

Location. 37° 32.04′ N, 77° 26.471′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Gambles Hill. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South 7th Street and Tredegar Street. This marker is on the Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk on Brown's Island. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Electricity for Streetcars (here, next to this marker); Albemarle Paper

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(here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Brown’s Island (a few steps from this marker); Manchester & Free Bridges (within shouting distance of this marker); R&P Railroad Piers (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Laboratory (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Canal Walk / Historic Canals (about 500 feet away); John Jasper (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

More about this marker. On the upper panel is an image entitled "Richmond from Belle Isle, 1797," with the caption, "Brown’s Island is covered by trees, left-center; right-center, below the State Capitol, is Johnson’s Island." (Watercolor by B. Latrobe, Courtesy of Maryland Historical Society)

On the lower panel is a copy of "Elijah Brown’s Title" with the caption, "From the City Deedbooks, assigning Elijah Brown “the peaceful possession of an Island in James River."" (Courtesy of Virginia State Library)

Also see . . .
1. Brown’s Island. Events, Island history, and

Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

2. Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk

directions. (Submitted on November 5, 2009.)

2. Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk. Venture Richmond (Submitted on November 5, 2009.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,203 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.