Shockoe Slip in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Old State Capitol

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, April 26, 2015

1. The Old State Capitol Marker

Inscription. In 1780, Virginia’s capital was moved from Williamsburg to Richmond to increase its accessibility and avert British attack by sea. On this corner, in commercial buildings confiscated from Loyalists, the General Assembly met until 1788. Here Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Establishing Religious Freedom, which decoupled religion and government, was adopted through the extraordinary efforts of Del. James Madison. This law, the model for many other states, laid the foundation for the religion clauses of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Here, too, Virginia relinquished its claim to the Northwest Territory and began its contentious debate over ratification of the federal Constitution.

Erected 2014 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-109.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Religion & Religious Structures • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, the Former U.S. Presidents: #04 James Madison, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR)

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.

Location. 37° 32.086′ N, 77° 25.946′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Shockoe Slip. It is at the intersection of South 14th Street (U.S. 60/360) and East Cary Street (Virginia Route 147), on the right when traveling south on South 14th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14 South 14th Street, 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 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 General Assembly of Virginia (here, next to this marker); 1300-1304 East Cary Street (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Columbian Block (about 400 feet

The Old State Capitol Marker (facing south) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, April 26, 2015

2. The Old State Capitol Marker (facing south)

away); George Washington’s Vision (about 500 feet away); Commercial Block (about 500 feet away); Powers-Taylor Building (about 500 feet away); Tobacco District (about 500 feet away); Bowers Brothers Coffee and Tea Building (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

The Old State Capitol Marker (facing north) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, April 26, 2015

3. The Old State Capitol Marker (facing north)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2015, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,442 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2015, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.