Richmond is Virginia’s state capital and among America’s oldest major cities. The start of the American Revolution happened as Patrick Henry stated, “Give me liberty or give me death” at St John’s Church. While the infamous church may be closed, there are plenty of other opportunities to have fun around the city that won’t cost a dime!
Unsurprisingly, history lovers are in luck in Richmond! Many memorials are open and free to the public for self-guided tours. The Virginia Civil Rights Memorial was created in 2008 to commemorate Barbara Rose Johns, who is often referred to as the Rosa Parks of Virginia. At age 16, Barbara caused a revolution by leading a student strike for equal education in Farmville, Virginia. This memorial serves to celebrate the bravery of Barbara Rose Johns, her classmates who marched along by her, their parents, community leaders, and civil rights attorneys who fought for their equality.
Richmond also holds the Virginia War Memorial. This memorial serves to preserve the life and stories of Virginia’s fallen soldiers by collecting stories and educate others. This memorial is excellent for veteran’s who are looking for their voice to be heard. There are events listed on their website for every month, as well as more information on the memorial.
The National Donor Memorial was erected to honor American organ and tissue donors. The memorial covers 10,000 square feet and sits at the United Network for Organ Sharing. Those visiting the memorial will see the emotional journey of donor families immortalized in the structure.
If you would like a better chance to move as you learn more about Virginia’s history, we suggest walking the National Donor Memorial. This walking trail details the history of enslaved Africans on their voyage from Africa to Virginia until 1775, and to other places until 1865. You will walk through the important Richmond port, the slave markets of Richmond, the Reconciliation Statue, Lumpkin’s Slave Jail, the Negro Burial Ground, and end up at the First African Baptist Church, which served as a center for African-American life in Richmond before the Civil War.
Richmond, Virginia, is rich in history and story-telling. There is plenty to learn about in the city, and this only touches the surface. Explore Richmond and all it has to offer while adhering to the CDC guidelines, of course.