Statues & Monuments, Richmond

Favorite thing: One of the most interesting facts that I learned during my tour of the Virginia Capital building is that Virginia has the largest number of Presidents of the United States!

George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
James Monroe
William Henry Harrison
John Tyler
Zachary Taylor
Woodrow Wilson

All of these presidents have sculptures in the Capital Building, so take a trip and find them all!

Favorite thing: One of the interesting social commentaries surrounding Richmond is the addition of Arthur Ashe, to the street of Confederate War heroes on Monument Avenue. Arthur Ashe seemed to be tied to Richmond only by birth, leaving almost immediately in his life to St. Louis and then on to Los Angeles, yet Richmond still raises his profile so highly, that they honored him by being the first person to lay in state after his death in the Governor's Mansion... an honor last bestowed on General Stonewall Jackson.

If you are interested in viewing this particular statue, it is located on Monument Avenue in Richmond.

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Favorite thing: Sometimes known as the George Washington Equestrian Monument, this Richmond icon is dedicated to the forefather of independence, which was a value held by Virginians for decades. In 1799, Virginians wanted to honor the memory of Washington, and in true political style, it took 50 years for Virginian politicians to come up with a plan to honor the memory.

When the monument was completed however, I would content that it is one of the more beautiful statues in the country. It was cast in Germany in 1857 and sent to the US where it was officially hoisted into place on Feb. 22, 1858.

One of the most interesting bits of trivia in regard to this statue is that the trowel used to lay the cornerstone of this monument was the same trowel used by Washington himself to lay the corner stone of the US Capitol. Now that is conservative values!

Favorite thing: Just outside the State Capitol building is this beautiful equine statue of George Washington.
(photo courtesy of b1bob)

Favorite thing: I was really impressed with the Old City Hall (it's been replaced by a more modern building). It is located near the State Capitol.