Again, from former Pine Street neighbor Tom Elliott…a close look at the old Belvidere plantation and how it was subdivided…

(Editor’s note: for more on the history of the Byrd family and Belvidere, please follow this link and read a piece by Harry Kollatz, Jr. in Richmond Magazine- https://richmondmagazine.com/news/richmond-history/the-wastrel/)

1856 Ellyson map of Richmond.

The way things were are the way things are. Plan of Belvedere/Belvidere/Belvidera sales before the house burned on February 5, 1854. A bit sad to think this once beautiful 17 acre estate surrounded by a serpentine brick “fence” was divided into small building lots while still standing. But….guess we see it every day now so not much different. Per details included with the plat shown. Lots (Red Dots)1-6, 21-24, and 56 & 57 sold on Oct ? 1852. Lots (Light Blue Dots) 38-41 sold on March 28, 1853. Lots (Green Dots) 68-75 sold on Aug 25 ?. 31 lots (Purple Dots) on Laurel Street sold on Nov. 9, 1853. Belvidere was located within the red rectangle. The four arrows mark the corners of the brick wall that surrounded the property. Credit: Virginia Historical Society, Library of Virginia.

1817 plat showing very early subdivision of larger 4 acres parcels near Belvedere. “The black dotted lines represent the brick fence”. The house is shown, the James river would be at the top of the plat.

1851-52 plat updated in 1870’s

Belvidere mansion/house was located within the red rectangle. The 4 arrows mark corners of the brick wall that surrounded the 17 acres. the house burned on February 5, 1854

Daily Dispatch 10-16-1852. See the red dots on the first plat map.

Daily Dispatch 11-9-1853. See the purple dots on the first plat map