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

Grace Evelyn Arents

1849 - 1926

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 8, 2009

1. Grace Evelyn Arents Marker

Inscription. Grace Evelyn Arents worked tirelessly as an urban reformer and philanthropist to improve the daily life of individuals regardless of race, gender, or class. She developed a church complex that included St. Andrews Episcopal Church, St. Andrew’s School, the Grace Arents Free Library, a teachers’ house, and a medical clinic. Arents also established a night school for working children, built public baths and playgrounds, and funded numerous social programs. She supported the formation of the Instructive Visiting Nurse Association. Her legacy continues in the activities of St. Andrew’s Church, St. Andrew’s School, and the William Byrd Community House in Oregon Hill.

Erected 2009 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-80.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Religion & Religious Structures • Women. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. 37° 32.517′ N, 77° 27.147′ W.

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Marker has been damaged. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Oregon Hill. It is at the intersection of Idlewood Avenue and South Cherry Street, on the left when traveling east on Idlewood Avenue. The marker has been taken down and replaced. However, it remains on the grounds of St. Andrew's School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 227 S Cherry St, Richmond VA 23220, 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 location: A different marker also named Grace Evelyn Arents (a few steps from this marker); St. Andrew's Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Oregon Hill

Idlewood Ave & S Cherry St image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 8, 2009

2. Idlewood Ave & S Cherry St

This is a photo of the marker before it the replacement marker was erected.

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of Distinguished Persons Buried in Hollywood (approx. 0.2 miles away); Confederate Memorial Pyramid (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jacob House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Samuel Pleasants Parsons House (approx. ¼ mile away); Virginia State Penitentiary (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . .
1. Grace Arents. Wikipedia (Submitted on November 12, 2021.)

2. Grace Evelyn Arents biography. Library of Virginia (Submitted on November 12, 2021.)

3. Oregon Hill Historic District. National Register of Historic Places (Submitted on November 10, 2009.)

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 6, 2024

3. Grace Evelyn Arents Marker

While the marker has been replaced, the original plaque remains on the grounds of St. Andrews School.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,960 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 10, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on September 7, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.