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

Richmond Evacuation Fire

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 4, 2008

1. Richmond Evacuation Fire Marker

Inscription. After midnight on 3 April 1865, Confederate soldiers set fire to several tobacco warehouses nearby on orders from Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell, as the army evacuated Richmond and marched west. Two distinct fires spread rapidly throughout the commercial and industrial sections of the capital. The core of the burned-out area, some 35 blocks, extended from the James River in some areas as far north as Capitol Square, and from 4th St. east to 16th St. Frightened citizens huddled in Capitol Square while looters rampaged and firefighters battled the fires. The Union army, which occupied the city early on 3 April, finally brought the fires under control in the afternoon.

Erected 1995 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA–42.)

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 3, 1865.

Location. 37° 32.289′ N, 77° 26.17′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the Capitol District. It is at the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 60) and 9th Street, on the left when traveling east on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, 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.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The First National Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Richmond Bread Riot (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Oliver White Hill Sr. (about 300 feet away); Anna Maria Lane (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named The Bell Tower (about 400 feet away); Mantle (about 400 feet away); Branch Building (about 500 feet away); Great Turning Basin (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Other markers no longer nearby. The Bell Tower (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Treasury Building of the Confederate States of America (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. Marker is one block south of Capitol Square.

Also see . . .
1. About the Burning of Richmond. First-hand account by H.H. Sturgis, the person who started the fire, published in the Confederate Veteran in 1909. (Submitted on June 5, 2008.)

2. Burning of Richmond / Last to Cross Mayo’s Bridge. 1897 letter by Lieutenant-Colonel R.T.W. Duke to the Richmond Dispatch. “...I turned and looked back; the city of Richmond was in flames. From all the windows of the Gallego Mills tongues of flame were bursting

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 4, 2008

2. Richmond Evacuation Fire Marker

out; dense clouds of smoke, sparks and flames were reaching skyward. Were I a painter, even now, after thirty-two years, I could paint the scene. The sight was awfully grand. I felt the end was nigh. ...” (Submitted on June 5, 2008.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,310 times since then and 134 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.