Virginia’s capital, Richmond, is located in the eastern part of the state, nestled on the James River. It is a river port and a major transportation hub for the region.

Before the arrival of the Whites, the area was inhabited by Powhatan hunter and farmer tribes. In 1607, the Virginia Company acquired the rights to develop the land and colonists streamed in. At first, however, they could not gain a foothold in the region. The city of Richmond was founded in 1737 on the initiative of planter William Byrd. The city was named after the suburb of London, where the founder spent his childhood. The settlement developed through the slave trade and tobacco growing.

In 1780 the capital of Virginia was moved from Williamsburg to Richmond. Significant damage was done to the city in 1782, during the U.S. War of Independence. At that time, the future 3rd president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, was Richmond’s governor. In the 19th century, Richmond became one of the major economic centers of the South. The city received the status of the capital of the Confederacy, but in 1862 it was heavily destroyed by the troops of the “North. Richmond, however, quickly recovered again. After the Civil War, the city became a major transportation hub. At one time, it was the first and only city where three railroads crossed.

Today’s Richmond is famous for law, insurance, and financial companies. At the same time, Virginia’s capital city has a pretty rich cultural life. Every year there is an annual chamber music festival, the Science Museum, Confederate Museum, and museum of Edgar Allan Poe (who never lived here). Landmarks include the Virginia Capitol Building, St. John’s Church, the train station building, and several monuments.

Of course, tourists who decide to go to this “citadel of American history” fly to Richmond first. Rest assured, your vacation will start right on board. The carriers are ready to provide you with the most comfortable conditions and the nicest cabin attendants.

In Richmond, travelers who want to be more independent in their movements and are not afraid of the mountain roads, usually rent a car. It is usually not expensive but you can enjoy the views and scenery and stop off wherever you like. However, you can also take the local buses. They are quite comfortable and reliable and travel all over the state.

Small in size, Richmond has a wealth of green spaces (40 parks totaling over 610 hectares), the most popular of which include Monroe Park near campus, James River Park System and Forest Hill Park, Joseph Brien Park’s Azalea Garden, Bell Isle on the island of the same name, Brown Island with outdoor concert venues, and nearby Maymont Park with a small museum, gardens, nature center, carriage house, and a children’s farm.