Central Office District in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Richmond Bread Riot
Photographed By Kevin W., May 22, 2021
1. Richmond Bread Riot Marker
Inscription.
Richmond Bread Riot. . On 2 Apr. 1863, the largest wartime food riot in the Confederacy took place in Richmond the day after a group of women met at Belvidere Baptist Church in Oregon Hill to complain about rising costs, inflation, and speculation. In the morning, a crowd congregated at the Washington equestrian statues in Capitol Square and grew to at least several hundred. The rioters looted warehouses on Cary and Main Streets as well as in Shockoe Slip. Mayor Joseph Mayo, Gov. John Letcher, and Pres. Jefferson Davis attempted to quiet the crowd, which dispersed by late morning with the arrival of the Public Guard.
On 2 Apr. 1863, the largest wartime food riot in the Confederacy took place in Richmond the day after a group of women met at Belvidere Baptist Church in Oregon Hill to complain about rising costs, inflation, and speculation. In the morning, a crowd congregated at the Washington equestrian statues in Capitol Square and grew to at least several hundred. The rioters looted warehouses on Cary and Main Streets as well as in Shockoe Slip. Mayor Joseph Mayo, Gov. John Letcher, and Pres. Jefferson Davis attempted to quiet the crowd, which dispersed by late morning with the arrival of the Public Guard.
Erected 2020 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-103.)
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 date for this entry is April 2, 1863.
Location. 37° 32.254′ N, 77° 26.124′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the Central Office District. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling east on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1001 E Main St, 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. Oliver White Hill Sr. (a few steps from this
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2021, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 351 times since then and 67 times this year. Last updated on May 29, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 29, 2021, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
