The Virginia State Capitol Building – the Most Visible Richmond Landmark

The Virginia State Capitol was not always centered on Richmond, VA but has been moved from several locations within the Commonwealth as times and needs dictated.  Today, the most visible landmark in Richmond if the majestic grandeur of the State Capitol Building, sitting atop Shockoe Hill, a dominating position which once overlooked the falls on the James River.

There have been seven other capitol locations in Virginia’s history, initially centered on Jamestown as the first successful colony, however as settlers and explorers moved inland to exploit the coastal plain and establish new townships and frontier posts, the center of government inevitably moved also.  It was not until 1780 that the Virginia legislature convened in Richmond, initially in a makeshift building at the bottom of Shockoe Hill.  Here plans were made, during the Revolutionary War, for a State Capitol to serve the new state, or in this case, the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Thomas Jefferson designed the building in partnership with Charles-Louis Clerriseau, a French architect.  The inspiration for the building was taken from Maison Carree in Nimes, France, a Roman temple which was much admired by Jefferson during his time as US Ambassador to France.  The building is built in a neoclassical style and was constructed without a dome, one of only a handful of State Capitol buildings not to have one, despite Jefferson’s predilection for them (Monticello, his home near Charlottesville and the University of Virginia are both known for their neoclassical style using domes).  The building was completed in 1788, and is now over 215 years old and is America’s oldest legislature of the colonists who eventually transformed the country into the United States. It also houses the only statue of George Washington made from him as a live model during his life – all others are replicated from images or memory.

The State Capitol Building was also the home of the Confederate Congress during the American Civil War, until it’s disbandment in 1865 with the victory of the Union armies.  The building once more reverted to its primary intended role as the State Capitol building of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Orders were given to burn Richmond by the fleeing Confederates, however the State Capitol Building along with the Governor’s Residence were  only a few of the buildings that were spared.  President Lincoln himself, toured the Capitol Building a week before he was assassinated.

In 1870, tragedy struck when a crowded court hearing was taking place in a court room on the upper floor.  The weight of a packed courtroom caused the floor to give way and resulting in many deaths and injuries.   Despite calls for the demolition of the building, it was decided to save it and renovate the State Capitol Building, including the addition of two wings. Initially, the east and west wings were not included in the original Jeffersonian design, and it was not until 1904 that these were added with construction completed in 1906.  The east wing is known as the House Wing, and the west wing is known as the Senate Wing.

Today, the State Capitol Building has been renovated once more at a cost in excess of $100 million.  Free tours are provided daily though visitors may also enjoy the building on their own.  The building is open all work days and on numerous holidays and children are welcome.

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Valley Farms and Land – Pastoral Beauty for Sale

Though this is predominantly a Richmond-based site, occasionally I will foray into the surrounding area – especially if the subject is one that I think would appeal to Richmonders and people who are planning to move into the area.  Face it, not everyone likes city life (though many, many of us do), and not everyone likes having close-by neighbors.  If you’re one of those people, do I have the solution for you!

I recently had the chance to communicate with Jeremy Litwiller, a REALTOR with Montague Miller & Co. out of Charlottesville.  I know what you’re thinking – “Hey!  C’vill has PLENTY of it’s own press!” and you’re right, but Jeremy’s focus is not, in fact, Charlottesville proper.  It’s the lovely Shenandoah Valley, plus many other rural Virginia areas.  Jeremy’s focus is the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and Augusta County.  If you know your Virginia geography, you know that means just about every quaint and idyllic town in Virginia.  Jeremy’s corner of the real estate universe is called Valley Farms and Land.

Jeremy was kind enough to answer a few questions for me.  It’s so refreshing to get the perspective of someone who really believes in what they do.  Jeremy loves the Shenandoah Valley, and thinks you will too.

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