Category Archives: Belvidere Street

Throwback Thursday: Belvidere And Subsequent Lots

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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

Street Paving Update

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From Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association:

KEEP AN EYE ON THE SIGNS: WARN YOUR NEIGHBORS: OREGON HILL SCHEDULED STREET CLOSURES

OHNA has not been provided with specific days when the individual streets will be closed so KEEP YOUR EYES OUT FOR SIGNS!

During this period these streets will be closed at various times for milling and paving. PAY ATTENTION to signs indicating particular blocks and streets. If you will be away during this time, find a safe place to park your car, or empower a neighbor to move it for you.

Wednesday, May 7 to Wednesday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Riverside Park from South Cherry Street to Dead End
South Cherry Street from Riverside Park to Oregon Hill Parkway
Oregon Hill Parkway from South Cherry Street to 2nd Street
South Laurel Street from Oregon Hill Parkway to Broad Street
South Pine Street from Oregon Hill Parkway to Broad Street
South Cherry Street from South Cathedral Place to Dead End
Holly Street from South Belvidere Street to Dead End
China Street from South Belvidere Street to Cherry Street
Spring Street from Cherry Street to South Belvidere Street
Albermarle Street to Dead End
Idlewood Avenue from South Belvidere Street to South Harrison Street
Grayland Avenue from Idlewood Avenue to South Harrison Street
Cumberland Street from South Belvidere Street to South Harrison Street
South Linden Street from Idlewood Avenue to West Cary Street
Parkwood Avenue from South Harrison Street to South Lindon Street
Cathedral Place from North Laurel Street to North Cathedral Place
South Cathedral Place from North Laurel Street to North Cathedral Place
North Cathedral Place from South Cathedral Place to Cathedral Place

ALSO: Next OHNA monthly meeting: MAY 27, 7PM on ZOOM.

Infrastructure

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It’s been a rough week for Oregon Hill and the City in general.

The water crisis has lead to several pipe breaks around the city, including one on S. Laurel Street.
Residents are thankful that it is being addressed quickly, despite the falling snow.


Also, a driver reportedly ran into and knocked down two streetlights along Belvidere. They first slammed into the one at the end of Albemarle Street and then must have drove off and hit another one at the end of Spring Street. Both streetlight poles are down and residents have dragged them off the street for safety’s sake.

One resident reported it was a dark red SUV and the incident had smashed the front headlight out on the passenger side.

Virginia War Memorial Veterans Day 2024

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Today at 11 am, the Virginia War Memorial hosts the 68th annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial, honoring Virginia’s men and women who have served and who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.

There will be guest speakers, patriotic music, and the winners of the annual Virginia War Memorial’s Student Essay Contest will be formerly announced. The event is rain or shine and ceremony will be held in the Virginia War Memorial’s E. Bruce Heilman Amphitheater.

It’s important to remember that the historic Oregon Hill neighborhood used to extend to this area, and that Belvidere Street used to be a one lane, residential street similar to what Laurel and Pine streets are.

Oregon Hill residents are respectful and thankful to our veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Yet… I also took the above photo this morning, partly because it shows the yet-to-be-unveiled new traffic light for the pedestrian crossing, but also because the shrouded figure reminded me of the infamous and damning Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse.

Many Oregon Hill residents are concerned about the longterm and increasing militarism and war promoted by BOTH sides of the corporate duopoly (Democrats AND Republicans), despite public opinion against it.

When will the politicians read and listen?

Let’s hope Veteran’s Day ceremonies remain nonpartisan and nonpolitical in a solemn spirit, but let’s also remember the recent Halloween Parade’s theme, “A Funeral March for Silence”.