Early days in the City of Richmond and the surrounding county of Henrico -- which today encompasses the communities of Bellevue, Glen Allen, Highland Springs, Lakeside, Regency, Ridge, Sandston, and West End are recalled through a mixture of colorful tales and factual data in this New 46-page booklet, comprised of excerpts from three rare vintage books: Historical Collections of Virginia by Henry Howe; Virginia, a Guide to the Old Dominion, a WPA Writer's Program publication; and New Roads in Old Virginia by Agnes Rothery (1929). The spiral-bound booklet is printed on 60# 8 1/2 x11" paper, with the print enlarged to fit the paper. The front cover is protected with a vinyl sheet. The Howe history, printed in 1845, covers the early development of this area, while excerpts from the WPA book, give a nostalgic glimpse from a 1940 vantage point, including interesting historical notes and sightseeing possibilities. Rothery's contribution shows a depth of knowledge, an understanding of the character of the people, and a love of Virginia. Among the many subjects discussed are: Physical Features of the area; John Smith and his frustrations with Capt. Francis West in the pre-Richmond days; Fort Charles, Byrd's Warehouse, Nonsuch, and other early names; Bacon's Rebellion; Col William Byrd's plantation at the falls; Benedict Arnold's invasion of Richmond; an account of the attack from Lt-Col. Simcoe's Journal; a description of Richmond in 1789 and another about 1845; a graphic description of the burning of the Richmond Theatre in 1811 with a list of some who died; St. John's Church; Hampden Sidney College medical department, Richmond College, St. Vincent's College, Richmond Academy and other institutions; Observations on Madison, Monroe, Marshall, Randolph and others at the Convenion of Virginia in 1829-30; Brief bios on Edmund Randolph, the Oldest dwelling in Richmond (as of 1854), Richmond society rituals, Sally Thompkins and Elizabeth Van Lew, heroines on different sides in the Civil War, Richmond authors; the state Capitol, the Governor's Mansion, the Virginia State Library, the Old Bell Tower, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the John Marshall House, the Valentine Museum, the Confederate Museum, John Jasper and the Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Virginia Union University, Battle Abbey, Monumental Church,and other Points of Interest; Insights on Edgar Allan Poe, and other bits of history and trivia. Illustrations include: Richmond (full page), a Diagram of the Skirmish at Richmond in 1781, the Burning of the Richmond Theatre, St. John's Church, and "The Old Stone House" on Main Street, Captain John Smith, Famous Virginians, the Bell Tower and Poe's home.
Henrico County (Richmond), VA
only $9.60
Sources: Historical Collections of Virginia / History of Henrico County; History of Richmond Virginia
Authors: Henry Howe
Original Publication Year: 1845
Original Publisher: Durrie and Peck and J.W. Barber
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