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What’s in a (street) name?

Historic street names in Richmond

Downtown view of Richmond [no title]_mid 20th century _vcu libraries digital collection

A postcard of Richmond in the mid-20th century. | Image via VCU Libraries Digital Collections

William Byrd II completed the first survey of Richmond, VA for its colonial inhabitants in 1737. This was even before King George II had granted a Town Charter for the land in 1742. Now that 280+ years have passed, we’re diving into the history of how Richmond’s streets got their names.

Downtown/Shockoe

At the time of the charter, the city was a fraction of its current geographic size, bordered by what’s now Broad Street to the north and the river to the south and stretching from what are now 17th to 25th Streets from west to east. North-south streets were numbered first through ninth and east-west streets were lettered alphabetically.

When Richmond became the state capital in 1780, city leaders gave east-west streets new names: A street became “Arch Street,” B Street became “Byrd Street,” and so on.

Some of the names were lost to history — do you know anyone who calls Broad “Haxall?” — but a few stuck around. This is where Canal, Franklin, and Grace come from.

East Broad Street, Richmond, Va.- early 20th century — A view of Broad Street from the early 20th century.
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Image via VCU Libraries Digital Collections

Cary Street — Cary was formerly D Street, then became Dover Plan Road. The name Cary comes from Colonel Archibald Cary, a Virginian who served in the House of Burgesses — the legislative body of the colony — from 1756-1776.

Main Street — Main was E Street, then Elm Street, but it became Main because it was the main thoroughfare of the town.

Foushee Street — This one is named for Richmond’s first mayor, William Foushee. He was a surgeon in the American Revolution and served as mayor from July 1782-June 1783. He was also appointed to be the city’s postmaster by President Thomas Jefferson — a position he kept for the last 16 years of his life.

We’re just getting started — hit the button to explore the history of even more neighborhoods.

All you can street

Asked

You have the opportunity to name a street in our city. What do you name the street after?

A. A loved one
B. My pet
C. My favorite athlete
D. Someone who made an impact in the community
E. Me, duh
F. Other

Give your answer

Events

Friday, May 12

An Incanto Evening of Fire | Friday, May 12 | 6-9 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond | $8-$17 | Experience fire performances, energetic DJ sets, and visual projection art inspired by the ongoing “Incanto” exhibition.
Studio Four | Friday, May 12-Monday, May 15 | Times vary | Richmond Ballet Studio Theatre, 407 E. Canal St., Richmond | $25-$105 | Enjoy a ballet performance with folk dance influences and classical technique.

Saturday, May 13

Bluegrass and Brews | Saturday, May 13 | 12-6 p.m. | AlterNatives Boutique, 3320 W. Cary St., Richmond | Free | Homegrown music and craft beer come together for an event to benefit the Highland Support Project.
Richmond Night Market | Saturday, May 13 | 5-9 p.m. | 17th Street Market, 100 N. 17th St., Richmond | Free | Shop from local vendors, see what artists are crafting in the Maker Space, and enjoy live music at this community celebration.

Sunday, May 14

Canal and Railroad History Sites Bike Tour | Sunday, May 14 | 9 a.m. | Belle Isle Parking Lot, 300 Tredegar St., Richmond | Free | Join a group ride during RVA Bike Month and learn about local history.
Museum District Association’s Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour | Sunday, May 14 | 1-6 p.m. | Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $25-$30 | Start at the VMHC and explore nine homes to benefit local charities, schools, and partnerships in the historic neighborhood.
Mother’s Day Concert with Richmond Concert Band | Sunday, May 14 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Agecroft Hall, 4305 Sulgrave Rd., Richmond | Free | Celebrate the moms and mom-figures in your life at this outdoor concert — don’t forget your blanket or lawn chair.

Friday, May 19

Dominion Energy Riverrock | Friday, May 19-Sunday, May 21 | Times vary | Brown’s Island, 5th and Tredegar, Richmond | Free | Experience Richmond’s outdoor scene with activities ranging from yoga classes to trail runs, music to mountain biking, fishing and paddling on the James River + more.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Finance

Kick back and retire (yes, please)

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If you’re one of the whopping 110 million Americans over age 50 — or a wise Millennial looking to get ahead — SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors who serve your area.

It’s never too late to work towards more radiant golden years. Take this quiz to see if you can retire comfortably.*

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News Notes

Traffic

The city is closing several roads around Byrd Park on weekends over the summer. Starting tomorrow at 7 a.m., gates will close off sections of these roads to automobile traffic to be available for park visitors. The initiative is part of the Open Streets concept.

Civic

If you need to get rid of paper documents, electronics, or household hazardous waste items, head to the city’s E-Cycle Day tomorrow. The drive-thru event will be at Broad Rock Sports Complex from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and is for Richmond residents only — don’t forget to bring proof of residency.

Shop

PopUp RVA is adding another weekly market to its schedule. Starting Sunday, June 11, Richmonders will be able to shop from 30+ local vendors at The Park. The market will be open each Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Number

$253 million. That’s how much VCU expects to spend on its planned Arts and Innovation Academic Building. The Broad and Belvidere development was originally budgeted at $181 million when it was approved the the Board of Visitors in 2019. (Richmond BizSense)

Biz

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. is investing $27 million to expand its Chesterfield plant. The facility, which reportedly produces 1 million Trojan condoms a day, is adding space for a new laundry product. The product is likely for one of Church & Dwight’s other brands, which include Arm & Hammer and OxiClean. (Style Weekly)

Concert

Maymont’s summer concert series begins on Friday, June 16 with a South Hill Banks and The Wilson Springs Hotel. The next night, Three Sheets to the Wind will play with Skydog, the Allman Brothers tribute band. Get tickets to one or both nights.

Outdoors

You can now use the RVA311 app to report issues in city parks. If you come across a downed tree, damaged bridge, missing marker, or another problem on a trail or path, just submit a picture and report the issue on the app.
James River Park System staff teamed up with RVA Paddlesports to place new warning signs at dangerous points along the river. Richmond Parks and Recreation says Spanish signs are coming soon.

Eat

It’s Friday — treat yourself. Get a free Bo’s Chicken Sandwich when you place your first order in the Bojangles mobile app.^

Traffic

🚙 Tolls going up

Richmond area tolls are going up in September

Toll increases will go into effect September 1. | Photo by @takeone.aerial

It’s official — tolls will increase on the Downtown Expressway, Powhite Parkway, and the Nickel Bridge. The Richmond Metropolitan Transit Authority board voted for the new rates at a meeting on Tuesday.

Here’s how rates will change:

Downtown Expressway | From 70 cents to 90 cents for E-ZPass, $1 cash
Powhite Parkway | From 70 cents to 90 cents for E-ZPass, $1 cash
Nickel Bridge | From 35 cents to 45 cents for E-ZPass, 50 cents cash

On three ramps — Douglasdale Road (Powhite), 2nd Street (Expressway), and 11th Street (Expressway) — the toll will increase from 20 cents to 45/50 cents for E-ZPass/cash.

The changes will go into effect on Friday, Sept. 1.

The increase comes after three years of declining revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. RMTA is also planning to upgrade collection machines and repair several aging bridges.

The Wrap

Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin

From the editor

If you’re on the hunt for a great local brunch place for Mother’s Day, might I suggest consulting our brunch guide?

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