The Focus of the Charrette

East End

Richmond's East End is the city's birthplace. It was among its hills overlooking the James River that William Byrd II, who owned the land, founded his new settlement, and named after a city in England that had a similar view of the Thames River.

The most recognized of these hills is Church Hill, named for its many churches, the most renowned of which is St. John's Episcopal, site of Patrick Henry's speech. The surrounding neighborhood, also known as Church Hill, is Richmond's oldest, and its antebellum homes, gas lamps, brick sidewalks, and national historic status make it the City's most famous as well.

However, there is more to the East End than the historic district. New developments north of Broad, such as Jefferson Mews and Charity Square, are adding to the diverse character of the area, and an ongoing revitalization process is bringing many older homes back to life. Libby Terrace offers spectacular views of the James River, Tobacco Row, and downtown.

The Fulton area, south of Church Hill against the county line, offers quiet streets, small frame and brick houses and a close- knit community. A strong sense of family and local pride exists throughout the East End; neighbors look out for each other and many families have lived in the same house for generations.

Church Hill

The Church Hill neighborhood embodies the historic nature of Richmond. Included in its boundaries are most of the original 32 blocks of the town laid out by Captain William Mayo in 1737.

Overlooking Shockoe and downtown, Church Hill is Richmond's first historic district. Among its many historical attractions is St. John's Episcopal Church, where Patrick Henry delivered his famous "give me liberty or give me death" speech, and Chimborazo Park, site of the Civil War's largest military hospital.

The area around St. John's Church is the oldest intact residential district in the city. It features restored antebellum homes ranging from modest cottages to the magnificent mansions of some of the neighborhood's original residents, the managers of Shockoe Valley's factories. These handsome places reflect influences of Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian architectural styles in their construction. Intricate iron grillwork, made locally, frames porticoes fronting wide streets and decorates long verandas, some leading to lush gardens.

Complementing the older structures are developments such as Jefferson Mews on Jefferson Street and Charity Square on 25th Street. Locations such as Libby Terrace offer breathtaking views of the James River. Renovations to Main Street Station at the foot of Church Hill will bring passenger trains and other transportation services near the doorsteps of neighborhood residents.

Several parks offer attractive green spaces and, thanks to the hilly location, many homes have views of the river or the city skyline. Gas street lamps and brick sidewalks on certain blocks add to the area's historic ambiance.