The Fan District in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Founders Hall

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, April 21, 2019

1. Founders Hall Marker

Inscription. Founders Hall was built 1883 to 1885 as a private residence. The mansion was purchased in 1925 and served as the first permanent home for the Richmond School of Social Work and Public Health, now VCU. During its history, Founders Hall functioned as a cafeteria, administrative offices, an infirmary, classrooms and a dormitory. According to local lore, nearby residents often complained that students made too much noise bidding their dates farewell on the front steps.

Erected by Virginia Commonwealth University.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 37° 32.939′ N, 77° 27.134′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in The Fan District. It is at the intersection of West Franklin Street and Shafer Street, on the right when traveling east on West Franklin Street. Located on the Virginia Commonwealth University campus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 827 W Franklin St, Richmond VA 23284, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia.

It is also in the

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American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Richmond Professional Institute (here, next to this marker); The Equal Suffrage League of Virginia (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (about 600 feet away); Monroe Park (about 700 feet away); Etam Cru, Poland (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Monroe Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); John B. Fenn (approx. ¼ mile away); Jacob House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Richmond Howitzers Monument (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Founders Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, April 21, 2019

2. Founders Hall

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2019, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 974 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 22, 2019, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.