Travel Log: Richmond

Richmond has played one of the biggest roles in United States history making, once serving as home to former presidents, inspiring speeches and the government of the Confederacy.

Richmond was the capital of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, and many of its landmarks remain as historical markers throughout the city. But its roots stem much deeper.

The city got its name from William Byrd II, who founded the town in 1737 and originally called it Richmond at the Falls of the James -- a reference to the bordering James River. But Richmond came from a London suburb of the same name, where Byrd grew up.

Less than 40 years later, it was in that very town where a revolution was ignited by an earth-shattering speech.

DID YOU KNOW?
In 1775 Richmond was the site of one of the earliest and most famous meetings, the Second Virginia Convention, where Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech. Courtesy of visit.richmond.com

WHAT THE CITY OFFERS
St. John's Church -- It was in this very building that Patrick Henry stood before a crowd that included George Washington and Thomas Jefferson on March 23, 1775, and delivered perhaps America's most monumental speech. A month after Henry's words of "give me liberty or give me death" echoed in the church and resolutions were passed, the first shots were fired to begin the American Revolution. The building still stands as an active Episcopal church.
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River District -- Celebrate at the 11th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival at Brown's Island with live music, dancing and a family party. The fiesta is just one of the many events going on this weekend at Richmond's River District, billed as the most eclectic range of dining, shopping, recreation and attractions in the area. It's a walking tour of the city's character and rich history that dates from as far back as the 1700s.
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Canal Cruises -- Get to know Richmond's history and character on water with a 35-minute ride down the James River and Kanawha Canal, paralleling the historic Canal Walk. The river ride is in a covered boat down the city's longstanding canal system that began in 1789 at the lobbying of George Washington.
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Monument Avenue -- This tree-lined street is the only one in the United States that is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Statues include depictions of Southern war generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson as well as oceanographer Matthew Fontaine Maury and tennis player Arthur Ashe.
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MUST-VISIT RESTAURANT
The Tobacco Company Restaurant -- Considered the cornerstone of the historic Shockoe Slip district, this old tobacco warehouse has been transformed into one of the trendiest restaurants in Richmond. It offers fine dining with a taste of the early 20th century in antique fixtures and a cigar/cigarette girl.
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WEATHER FORECAST
Sunny all weekend with highs in the 70s. Nighttime is expected to be in the upper 40s. Click here for a complete forecast.

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