Located at the falls of the James River, Richmond had to wait 170 years before becoming the state capital. Four hundred years later, with a history as old as Jamestown itself, the city blends its heritage with vibrant contemporary commerce and trade. Its location equidistant from the plantations of Tidewater Virginia and the Piedmont of central Virginia gives the city a unique mix of heritage, culture, and geography. It continues to be a city of contrasts and multiple perspectives that hosts the treasures of colonial times along with state-of-the-art contemporary offerings.

Richmond has served as the capital of Virginia and of the Confederate States of America. The heritage of these two dramatically different situations can be found in places like St. John’s Church, site of Patrick Henry’s famous speech (“Give me liberty or give me death”), and The Museum and White House of the Confederacy, the residence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

A gateway to the Virginia Piedmont and Tidewater, Richmond also serves as a gateway to Southside, the central, south-central part of Virginia that is less traveled and less explored. Travelers will find the rural communities, the pace, and the byways of Southside a welcome contrast to today’s hectic times.

The Virginia Historical Society's Story of Virginia does a phenomenal job of laying out the complex history of the Richmond region. Beginning with “Becoming a Homeplace,” illustrating its founding by John Smith, Richmond’s story continues with “Becoming Virginians,” followed by “Becoming Southerners,” “Becoming Confederates,” and “Becoming New Southerners,” “Becoming Americans Again” and lastly “Becoming Equal.” Supported with 10,000 artifacts, the story ultimately covers the gamut of American culture.

With all this heritage in one place, Richmond has something for everyone. Toss in a strong arts community, good restaurants, and Southern gentility, and you have a great place to visit and explore.

There have been few dull moments in Richmond's history. Native Americans and settlers fought over the ground on which it now stands. In 1775, Patrick Henry made his "liberty or death" speech in St. John's Church, and in 1780, the city was named capital of the state. At that time, Virginia extended all the way to the Mississippi. British soldiers plundered it brutally in the Revolutionary War. As the capital of the Confederacy from 1861 to 1865, it was constantly in danger. Finally, in 1865, the city was evacuated and retreating Confederate soldiers burned the government warehouse; a portion of the rest of the city also went up in flames.

However, Richmond did survive. As Virginia's capital, it proudly exemplifies the modern South. It is a city that is industrially aggressive yet culturally aware, respectful of its own historical background yet receptive to new trends in architecture and modes of living. Richmond esteems both the oldest monuments and the newest skyscrapers.

Tobacco and tobacco products, paper and paper products, aluminum, chemicals, textiles, printing and publishing, and machinery contribute to the city's economy. Richmond is also an educational center; Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Union University, and the University of Richmond are based here.