The capital of Virginia, Richmond combines the atmosphere of a gracious cultural center, the legacy of an absorbing past and the technological drive of a progressive city.

From its founding, Richmond has been linked with the activities of patriots, presidents of both the United and the Confederate States, and several authors. Many historical shrines and reminders of the events Richmond has witnessed are found throughout the city.

In 1609 Capt. John Smith bought from the Indian chief Powhatan a tract of land near the present site of Richmond and founded a settlement he called "None Such." The city was laid out in 1737 by Col. William Byrd and designated the state capital in 1779.

In 1775 the Virginia Convention met at St. John's Church. The roster, a "Who's Who" of Colonial days, contains the names of Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee, Edmund Pendleton, Peyton Randolph, George Washington and George Wythe. Patrick Henry made his speech, proclaiming, "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

In 1861 the Ordinance of Secession was passed, and Richmond soon became the capital of the Confederate States of America. Gen. Irvin McDowell, Gen. George McClellan, Gen. Ambrose Everett Burnside, Gen. Joseph Hooker, Gen. George Meade and Gen. Ulysses S. Grant in succession failed to subdue the Southern capital.

Grant finally succeeded, but not by capturing the city itself. In 1864, after the Battle of Cold Harbor near Mechanicsville, Grant abandoned the project of taking Richmond directly and started the siege of Petersburg, which ended in the Confederacy's downfall. When Richmond was evacuated, Confederate troops burned the government warehouse; the spreading flames destroyed most of the city.

The Governor's Mansion on the northeast corner of Capitol Square dates 1811-13. On the site have lived four U.S. presidents; three of them - Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler - also served as governors of Virginia, and William Henry Harrison lived here while his father was governor.

The renovation of several historic districts has brought new vitality to the downtown area. Court End, just north of Capitol Square, was named for its attorney residents and nearby legal buildings. The neighborhood is home to some of the city's most notable architectural and historic landmarks.

Shockoe Slip, between the financial district and the James River, was the center for the milling and tobacco industries in the 19th century. The warehouses have been restored, the narrow streets have been re-cobbled and the neighborhood is now a highlight of Richmond's dining and night life; boutiques, restaurants, craft shops, office buildings and residences fill the street.

Shockoe Bottom, just past the slip along E. Cary, E. Franklin and E. Main streets between 17th and 25th streets, also has been developed into a lively area of restaurants, nightclubs, art galleries, shops, warehouse apartments and a farmers' market. Past flooding of the James River prohibited restoration of the area until a floodwall was built, spurring restoration of the historic neighborhood. The 17th-century Farmer's Market on Main and 17th streets is home to summertime produce and autumn pumpkins. A downtown landmark, Main Street Station, has been restored and once again welcomes daily train travelers to the city.

Church Hill, on the East End above Shockoe Bottom, is poised above the James River. The area is home to tree-lined streets and renovated townhouses.

Named for the layout of streets that fan out toward the west, the Fan District is bordered by Belvidere Street on the east, Boulevard on the west, Monument Avenue on the north and Main Street on the south. Within the Fan's boundaries are late 19th-century town houses with interesting architectural features as well as the academic campus of Virginia Commonwealth University. VCU's Medical College of Virginia campus is 1.5 miles east in the downtown area. Other institutions of higher learning in the Richmond area include Virginia Union University on North Lombardy Street; the University of Richmond in West End; Randolph-Macon College in nearby Ashland; and Virginia State University in Ettrick.

The statues along Monument Avenue were originally laid out in 1890 with the dedication of the Lee Monument. Graced by a diverse mix of slate-roofed Classical Revival mansions, churches, apartments and stately oak and maple trees, the avenue is considered one of America's most beautiful. It is purported to be the only U.S. street to be designated a historic landmark. The 7-mile-long stretch begins at Lombardy Street and runs to Horsepen Road/Glenside Drive in Henrico County. Only the easternmost mile contains statues, beginning west to east with the most recent addition, tennis great Arthur Ashe, who was born and raised in the city. Ashe's statue is at Roseneath Avenue. The statue of Civil War naval officer Matthew Fontaine Maury, inventor of the electronic torpedo, followed by other Civil War heroes including Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and J.E.B. Stuart.

Jackson Ward on the north side of Broad Street is a historic African-American district with Federal and Greek Revival houses; the nation's first African-American-owned bank and insurance companies were chartered in this area. There also is a monument to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, who was born in Richmond.

At Byrd and 12th streets are canal locks built in 1854 as part of a canal system George Washington proposed to complete between the Tidewater region and the Kanawha River. A self-guiding tour and an outdoor museum border the canal; the canal area offers concerts, boat tours and recreational activities.