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Touring Richmond, Virginia - Rich in American Heritage

Richmond, a city rich in American Heritage, is a great place to live and visit for history buffs and nature lovers, and others. From recreational activities to cultural attractions, there's something for everyone to see and do during their stay. In addition, Richmond offers fabulous shopping, dining, family activities, sports, nightlife and more. There are many reasons that more than five million people visit the area annually.

Richmond is the county seat and state capital with an estimated population of 194,729 as of 2003. Nearby cities include Bon Air, Dumbarton, Montrose, Lakeside, and East Highland Park. The city was founded by William Byrd, II in 1737 and was the capital of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865 during the Civil War.

Fun Festivals in Richmond

The city of Richmond hosts a number of festivals throughout the year. Two very popular events are the Virginia State Fair and the Virginia Garden Festival, which are both held in the fall.

Local Attractions in Richmond; Nature Scenes and Activities

For the outdoorsman, he'll quickly see that nature's beauty envelopes Richmond. There are many nature sites, parks, gardens, etc. where one can take a breather and relax for a while. The popular James River runs through downtown Richmond and offers a tour ride on an antique paddlewheel steamer. Visitors can also enjoy wading, rafting, kayaking, and fishing.

For brilliant colors and lovely scents, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is the place to go. Garden lovers of all ages will enjoy the "Children's Garden" as well!

For those who enjoy the downtown scene there's Carytown, a great section for shopping, walking, dining, and touring galleries and museums. Richmond also offers a Farmer's Market and a hip area for the young crowds called "Shockhoe Bottom District."

Tourists always find something interesting in Richmond. To learn more about Richmond, Virginia USA, visit the Richmond tourism Web site. (http://www.richmond.com)

Another notable fact about Richmond's history is that it was where the first African-American governor was elected in America. Richmond is also where the first commercial electric streetcar system was developed.

Other Unique Facts about Richmond

Richmond is the third of three capital cities for Virginia; the other two were Jamestown and Williamsburg. Some famous people who have lived there include actor Warren Beatty, baseball player Ray Dandridge, writer Ellen Glasgow, author Tom Wolfe, and tennis player Arthur Ashe. Movies that were filmed in Richmond are "True Colors" and "Hannibal."

Music lovers are intrigued with the Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony. Sports fans enjoy Richmond as well with teams like the Braves (MLB), Kickers (USL soccer), Renegades (Southern Professional Hockey League).

Richmond also offers a number of places of higher education such as the University of Richmond, the Virginia Union University, and the Virginia Commonwealth University.

Richmond's and Virginia's heritage is well-illustrated through the local museums. There's the Edgar Allan Poe Museum (http://www.poemuseum.org), where illustrations of his poem "The Raven" and other artifacts that were tied to Poe's life are displayed in some of Richmond's oldest buildings.

Another must-see is the Museum and White House of the Confederacy (http://www.moc.org), where President Jefferson Davis lived and worked. This museum houses the largest Confederate artifact collection in the country. Other great museums in Richmond are the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Maymont House, the Virginia Historical Society, the Science Museum of Virginia, and the Virginia House.