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

John Miller House

Photographed by Kevin W., January 3, 2008

1. John Miller House Marker

Inscription. John Miller, a free black cooper and minister, built this house about 1858. It is significant as a rare surviving antebellum house in Richmond constructed by and for a free African American family. More than two thousand free blacks lived in Richmond at the time of the Civil War; at least two hundred of them were homeowners. Miller was an influential member of the small free black community that existed in present-day Oregon Hill. Originally erected at 614 S. Laurel Street, the dwelling moved to its present location in 1917, two blocks to the west of here at 617 S. Cherry Street, by Richmond businessman Moses Nunnally.

Erected 2003 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-61.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 37° 32.185′ N, 77° 26.98′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Oregon Hill. It is on Holly Street near S. Belvidere Street (U.S. 1 & 301), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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 7 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Virginia War Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

line); Water Power (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome to Richmond’s Historic Riverfront (approx. 0.2 miles away); Belle Isle (approx. 0.2 miles away); Robert E. Lee Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Samuel Pleasants Parsons House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Horseshoe Shops (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Other markers no longer nearby. Industrial Recycling (was about 800 feet away but has been permanently removed); Neighborhoods at Tredegar (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Making Machines at Tredegar (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Tredegar Rolling Mills (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Worker Housing (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Belle Isle Prison (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); The Canal and the Civil War (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently

Photographed by Kevin W., January 3, 2008

2. John Miller House Marker

The Virginia War Memorial is in the background.

removed); Rail Lines at Tredegar (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Belle Isle and Old Dominion Iron and Nail Works (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).

The John Miller House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., January 3, 2008

3. The John Miller House

617 S. Cherry Street

Oregon Hill Historic District image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., January 3, 2008

4. Oregon Hill Historic District

This nearby pavillion is marked with a Virginia Historical Landmark Plaque, which designates the entire area as having historical significance.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,291 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 4, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.