Capitol Square
We start at the Virginia state Capitol
Square (www.virginiacapitol.gov; cnr 9th &
Grace Sts, Capitol Sq; h9am-5pm Mon-Sat,
1-4pm Sun), one of the oldest state capitol
complexes in the country. Designed by
Thomas Jefferson, the main building
was completed in 1788 and houses the
oldest legislative body in the western
hemisphere, the Virginia General
Assembly, which was established in- The free docent-led tours are
excellent and highly informative.
The Walk » Head down 10th St for about 2000ft
toward the James River. Once you reach the river,
turn right toward Brown’s Island, which will then
be directly ahead of you.Brown’s Island
Sitting in the James River, artificial
Brown’s Island (www.brownsisland.com) has
been a major landmark since 1789 and
the construction of the Haxall Canal.
Back in the day the island hosted a coal
factory and a hydroelectric plant; it has
been a park since 1987. Trails crisscross
the green and concerts are held
regularly in warm months, including
the Friday Cheers series which occurs
ever Friday night in May and June from
6:30pm to 9pm.The Walk » Cross over the James River in front
of the American Civil War Center. Turn left on
Tredegar St; after 2000ft, turn right onto the 2nd
St Corridor. At the end of the street cross the lawn
to reach the Virginia War Memorial.Virginia War Memorial
The Virginia War Memorial (%804-786-
2060; http://www.vawarmemorial.org; 621 S Belvidere
Street; htours 9am-2:30pm), dedicated to
all branches of service who served in
all theaters of American combat since
WWII, is an impressive structure.
A large glass fronting overlooks the
James River, and behind you, the
Shrine of Memory is inscribed with the
names of Virginia war dead. Names
are arranged by county, city and then
alphabetically.Take this walk on Trips
STRETCH..
YOUR.LEGS
n q
Start/Finish: Capitol Square
Distance: 2.7 miles
Duration: 3 hours
RICHMOND
Stroll.along.the.James.River.and.
experience.the.best.Richmond.has.
to.offer:.magnificent.river.views,.
historic.architecture,.the.quiet.
dignity.of.the.state.capitol.complex,.
red-brick.buildings.and.plentiful.
park.space.