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

"Richmond"

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 9, 2009

1. "Richmond" Marker

Inscription. William Byrd II of Westover, owner of the land around the falls of the James River, wrote in his diary on September 19, 1733:

…we laid the foundations of two large Citys. One at Shacco’s, to be called Richmond and the other at the point of Appamattux River to be named Petersburgh. …Thus we did not build Castles only, but also Citys in the Air.

Byrd, who had lived and been educated in England, chose the name “Richmond” for his new city because the view of the James from this hill reminded him of the curve of the Thames at Richmond west of London.

Erected 1990 by Church Hill Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1909.

Location. 37° 31.593′ N, 77° 25.044′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Church Hill. It is at the intersection of Libby Terrace and North 29th Street, on the right when traveling east on Libby Terrace. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23223, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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: The View That Named The City (a few steps from this marker); Libby House (within shouting distance of this marker); 5 North 29th Street

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(within shouting distance of this marker); 2916 Libby Terrace (within shouting distance of this marker); 3013 Libby Terrace (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 3015 Libby Terrace (about 300 feet away); Bloody Run (about 300 feet away); The Williamson Allen House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Monument (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

"Richmond" Marker Stone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 9, 2009

2. "Richmond" Marker Stone

View of the James River from Libby Hill image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 9, 2009

3. View of the James River from Libby Hill

James River below Libby Hill Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 9, 2009

4. James River below Libby Hill Park

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,058 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 15, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.