Richmond is one of America's most historic, and under-appreciated cities. Laid out in 1737 on the fall line of the James, its location made it a natural center for commerce. By 1779, the increasing political power of the uplands and a desire to have the capital more centrally located resulted in Richmond replacing Williamsburg as the capital of Virginia.
The city had already secured a place in history, for it was at St. John's Church that Patrick Henry had declared, "...give me liberty, or give me death!"
As important as Richmond's Revolutionary history is, it was a second revolution that etched the city forever into the American chronicle. Only 100 miles from Washington, the capital of the Confederacy became the focal point of four years of warfare. On two occasions, for months at a time, opposing armies battled in the suburbs of Richmond. When Petersburg fell in April of 1865, after nine months of siege, the door to Richmond was open, and the Confederacy collapsed.
The city's rich history has left it with potential largely untapped. While thousands tramp through the streets of Charleston, huge historic neighborhoods that make up Richmond remain relatively untouristed. The city also has a wide range of museums, historic houses, historical sites, and cultural activities. Not that Richmond is a museum, the city has a skyline of modern buildings overlooking the falls of the James, and surrounding neighborhoods with beautiful old houses and tree-lined streets. For the lover of history or architecture, Richmond is a must.
Richmond is one of America's most historic, and under-appreciated cities. Laid out in 1737 on the fall line of the James, its location made it a natural center for commerce. By 1779, the increasing political power of the uplands and a desire to have the capital more centrally located resulted in Richmond replacing Williamsburg as the capital of Virginia. 
