The Valentine

in 1780, Richmond's streets were officially named! On July 17, 1780, the Directors of Public Buildings, a group that included Thomas Jefferson, met to assign official names to the streets of Richmond, Virginia's new capital. The group used a systematic plan; east-west streets used letters, while north-south streets were numbered sequentially.

Map of Richmond, 1782. Fic003115_2_1782_Map, The Valentine

Today Scott's Addition is a beloved district in Richmond residential district, with a bustling collection of restaurants, breweries, newly renovated apartments. But, did you know that Scott's Addition was named after General Winfield Scott, one of The United States’ most decorated and long serving Generals, who at one point owned the land that is present day Scott’s Addition?

General Winfield Scott married Maria Mayo, daughter of prominent Richmond figure, Colonel John Mayo. Through this marriage and John Mayo’s death, Winfield and Maria Scott inherited the land which would become Scott’s Addition. After Scott’s death in 1866 his children gained possession of the land, which was eventually acquired by the city of Richmond in 1914.

You'll learn much more about Scott's Addition's fascinating history if you join us tomorrow for our Warehouse to High Rise: Scott’s Addition Walking Tour! After the tour, be sure to stop by Harry’s at Hofheimer for $5 off your food purchase with a tour ticket. Details and registration are available here: https://thevalentine.org/event/warehouse-to-high-rise-scotts-addition-walking-tour-4/

Intersection of West Broad Street and the Boulevard on a rainy day, July 16, 1959, V.60.38.25, Richmond Times-Dispatch Collection, The Valentine

Happy Fourth of July, Richmond! Beat the heat and spend the holiday exploring Richmond stories at the Valentine. Enjoy free admission (and free air conditioning) all day!

Picture: A large crowd of people gathered outside at the Dogwood Dell outdoor amphitheater in Byrd Park for Fourth of July concert, Richmond Times-Dispatch Collection, 1974.