Hey RVA, did you know?

Did you know…
Here are 12 fun facts about the greatest city in the universe, our home Richmond VA!

Fact 1: The Richmond Union Passenger Railway was the first electric trolley streetcar in the U.S. and it set the pattern for most subsequent trolley systems around the world. (Bring it back!)

Fact 2: Richmonders know to “Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see” because Edgar Allan Poe grew up in Richmond.

Fact 3: The Jefferson Hotel used to have real live alligators right in the main lobby until 1948.

Fact 4: In 1733 William Byrd of Westover named RVA after the settlement for Richmond upon Thames, England, you can see for yourself why by visiting Libby Hill.

Fact 5: During the Revolutionary War period, several notable events occurred in the city, including Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech.

Fact 6: Known as the Harlem of the South, Jackson Ward is often acknowledged as the birthplace of black entrepreneurship and a traditional hub of African-American commerce and culture. It also boasts more cast iron work than any neighborhood outside of New Orleans.

Fact 7: RVA invented the sailor sandwich, a delicious union of pastrami, knockwurst, Swiss cheese and mustard on rye bread.

Fact 8: Not only do we have dozens of incredible breweries here today, but back in 1935 Richmond is where canned beer was commercially available for the first time.

Fact 9: Born right here in RVA – professional tennis player, Arthur Ashe Jr, won 3 Grand Slam titles, the singles title at Wimbledon, and the Australian and U.S. Open. Ashe was the first African American to do so. 

Fact 10: Everyone loves RVA. Buzzfeed named Richmond the city with the best street art in the entire world.  The U.S. News And World Report granted the “Best Affordable Place To Take A Vacation” distinction to Richmond and named us the “Best U.S. Historical Destination.” While “Bloom’s Business Magazine” similarly determined that Richmond was the “most fun and affordable U.S. city”. There are too many designations to list, but you get the point.

Fact 11: Maggie L. Walker broke the glass ceiling and the South’s pervading color barrier at that time. The African American entrepreneur/social activist was the first woman bank president in the United States—here in Richmond. She was only 33 years old.

Fact 12: We love the James River Park System, and it’s no wonder why – Richmond is the only city in the US with class IV rapids. Nothing like having your own free water park running through downtown!

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