Neighborhoods of RVA: Fulton

The Fulton neighborhood, steeped in history and community spirit, owes its name to James Alexander Fulton and his wife, Eliza Mayo. Eliza Mayo was related to other notable figures in Richmond’s history, including Major William Mayo and his son, Colonel John Mayo. The neighborhood is situated in an East End river valley of approximately 350 acres, just north of the river, with Rockett’s Landing to the south and Church Hill to the northeast.

The origins of the Fulton neighborhood can be traced back to shortly after the Civil War when simple one-story homes began to be built, marking it as one of Richmond’s earliest suburbs. In 1905, the City of Richmond annexed the neighborhood from Henrico County as it continued to grow. Over the first half of the 20th century, various styles of homes were constructed, including bungalows, Cape Cods, Four-squares, and ranches. The addition of restaurants, stores, churches, a school, a doctor’s office, and streetcar service further solidified Fulton as a thriving and self-sufficient community.

In the 1960s, Fulton faced a period of decline characterized by deteriorating structures, failing infrastructure, and escalating crime rates. City and community leaders engaged in debates over various revitalization proposals, leading to City Council’s approval of a plan by the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) in 1970. This plan utilized millions of dollars in federal aid and involved offering relocation packages to residents. A significant portion of the neighborhood was subsequently demolished. Unfortunately, a major flood caused by the remnants of Hurricane Agnes in 1972 further devastated the area, erasing much of what remained.

Following these challenges, some of the land along the river was repurposed for industrial use, while a few single-family homes and public housing units were constructed closer to Fulton Hill, a process that continued into the early 1990s.

Today, like many older neighborhoods in Richmond, Fulton is experiencing a resurgence in interest from builders, developers, and homebuyers. The development of Rocketts Landing, featuring high-end riverfront townhomes, condominiums, restaurants, and office spaces, has played a significant role in this transformation. Due to its close proximity to Downtown Richmond, large expanses of underutilized land, and the allure of riverfront property, businesses and developers are making substantial investments in the area.

One notable investment was made by Stone Brewing when they established their East Coast operations and a destination bistro in Fulton. Numerous construction projects for new apartments, condominiums, single-family homes, and businesses have been announced, indicating the neighborhood’s potential for growth.

With its natural attractions and untapped potential, Fulton’s future appears promising. Here are a few highlights to explore in the area right now:

Island Shrimp Co – Stop in for some seafood with a side dish of river and city views.

Triple Crossing Beer – Kick back with a tasty craft brew and a slice of gourmet pizza.  Pups are welcome if you’re OK with your beer on the patio.

Stone Brewing – Take a tour of the brewery and learn about the craft brewing process.

Richmond BMX – Check out Richmond’s very own public BMX racing track.

Virginia Capital Trail – Bike. Walk. Run. Make a day of it. The trail starts in the Bottom and ends in Williamsburg.

Gillies Creek Disc Golf Course – The name says it all…

Fulton Homes For Sale