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| Gun at Drewy's Bluff |
Edgar Allan Poe Museum- The oldest house in Richmond, built in 1737, houses this museum which honors one of the most prominent writers of Richmond. Poe spent 13 years of his life in Richmond, though he did not live in the house. In the building are some of the writer's personal affects, with a brief account of his life. One of the most compelling exhibits is one which details Poe's the "Raven" under stunning illustrations by artist James Carling. The combination of the two will chill the most indifferent visitor to the bone. The house itself is also worth seeing. 1914 E. Main St. 804-648-5523. Tues-Sat 10-4, Sun-Mon 1-4. Tours on the hour. Adults $5, seniors $4, students $4.
Museum and White House of the Confederacy- The Civil War is commemorated here with artifacts, flags, documents, uniforms and paintings. Next to the museum is the executive mansion of Jefferson Davis during the war. The house has been restored and eleven rooms are on exhibit. 1201 E. Clay St. 804-649-1861. Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5. Admission for both $8, seniors and active military $7, students $5, under 6 free. Admission $5, $4, $3 respectively for the Museum, $5.50, $4.50, $3.50 respectively for White House.
St. John's Church- Pocahontas was married here. Here Patrick Henry demanded liberty or death from a shocked second Virginia Convention, and it can be seen re-enacted every Sun at 2:00 from Memorial Day to Labor Day. St. John's Church was built in 1741, and is an excellent place for both its history and its services, which are yet held today. 2401 E. Broad St. 804-648-5051. Tours Mon-Sat 10-3:30, Sun 1-3:30. Services Sun 8:30, 11 am. Adults $2, children 7-18 $1, under 7 free.
Agecroft Hall- This stately mansion was originally built in late 15th century England and relocated in the 1920's to overlook the James River. It is furnished from the Tudor and early Stuart eras to reflect its history and origin. The house itself boasts such attractions as ornate plaster ceilings, a two-story Great Hall, and leaded glass windows. Outside the visitor can stroll through the Sunken Garden or perhaps the Elizabethan Knot Garden. The grounds are well-kept and worth the visitor's time. 4305 Sulgrave Rd. 804-353-4241. Tues-Sat, 10-4, Sun 12:30-5, closed Mondays. Adults $4.50, seniors $4, students $2.50, under 6 free.
The Capitol- Built to the design of Thomas Jefferson after a Roman temple, the building was completed in 1788. The rotunda houses the only statue for which George Washington posed. The Old Senate Hall and the Old Hall of the House of Delegates are in the central part of the capitol. On Capitol Square, between 9th and Governor Sts. 804-786-4344. Daily 9-5, Apr-Nov, Mon-Sat ; Sun rest of the year. Free.
John Marshall Museum- House of Chief Justice John Marshall for 45 years. Built in 1790, the House is one of Richmond's last remaining examples of an 18th century brick federal style building. The House contains the largest collection of Marshall family furnishings and memorabilia in America. 818 E. Marshall St. 804-648-7998. Tues-Sat 10-5, Oct-Dec open until 4:30 pm. Adults $3, Seniors $$2.50, 7-12 $1.25.
Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site- The first bank in the United States to be started by a woman owes its existence to Maggie Walker, who was also black and physically handicapped. Her triumph is commemorated in the restoration of her home, which has many of its original furnishings. 110.5 E. Leigh St. 804-780-1380. Wed-Sun 9-5. Free.
The Valentine Museum- The museum of the life and history of Richmond. Diverse collections tell the story of Richmond and its people at this 100- year old museum. The lives of 31 Richmond residents are retold in the restored 1812 Wickham House, a National Historic Landmark. 1015 E. Clay St. 804-649-0711. Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun 12-5. Guided tours on the hour, 11-4. Adults $5, seniors and students $4, 7-12 $3.
Virginia Museum of the Fine Arts-Art collection spanning 5,000 years includes Faberge, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Impressionism, post-Impressionism, Contemporary, American, Classical, Byzantine, African, Egyptian, Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan and Indian art. The Faberge collection is a popular draw as well as periodic temporary exhibits. 2800 Grove Ave. 804-367-0844. Tuesday-Sunday 11-5, Thursday 11-8. Admission is free, a $4 donation is suggested.