Church Hill Revisited (October 18, 2009)

A really cold and gloomy day in Richmond, felt like taking a drive downtown to do a little sightseeing. Church Hill was suggested by a reader of my blog (Gypsy), and having been there before thought it was a great idea on a day like this. Very interesting part of the city, and also was interested in finding this (now sealed) tunnel. This was the old railroad tunnel (built in the 1870's). In 1925 they wanted to reopen it, sent a work train in with 10 flat cars and four men. On October 2, 1925 it collapsed killing all four. Two of the men were dug out, but due to the collapsing tunnel the other two and the train were sealed inside where they remain to this day.
This is one of the landmarks of Church Hill, the Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Richmond is a real city of monuments with the great Washington monument at the state capital downtown, and the big monuments on (well named) Monument Avenue. This one sits on a high hill in Church Hill, surrounded by a really nice looking neighborhood of older classic houses. Many of the houses are converted to apartments from the signs I saw, and there are also a number of businesses in the area. It is also not far from the St. John's Church where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech "Give me Liberty, or Give me Death" prior to the Revolutionary War. I have visited that church on two previous visits. The monument seen here sits in a small park which has some fantastic views of the James River and also into downtown. I also got a good look from the hill at the Lucky Strike Condos. Being new to the city, I am not absolutely sure, but think that is an old tobacco factory judging by the name.

Anyhow this is the view of the James from the Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument. According to information on the park there, Richmond got its name from a like view in England of the Thames River at what I assume is a place called Richmond. At any case, a nice view even on a cold, dreary, rainy day.
Enjoyed driving and walking around that area some, and appreciated the info that made me take a second look at this part of the city.
After some time spent in Church Hill, wandered down to Shockoe Bottom for a visit, but that will be detailed in my next post!