Five Things You Didn’t Know About Richmond Virginia

As the capital of the state of Virginia, Richmond has a rich history that dates back to the 1700s. This classic southern city has had it’s fair share of ups and downs throughout the course of American history, and these days it’s become a popular place for people looking to relocate to or visit Virginia. Sure, Richmond is beautiful, but there’s much more to the city than meets the eye. While you may have learned a few things about Richmond during your days in grad school history class, there are still a few things that were more than likely left out. Whether you’re a lifelong Richmond resident, or new to the area, there is always something new to learn. Here are five things you didn’t know about Richmond Virginia.

Best street art

If you’re not from the area, you’ve probably never thought of street art and Richmond in the same sentence before. However, street art is actually big in Richmond. So big, in fact, that in 2013, Buzzed voted Richmond as home to the best street art in the world. Now that’s pretty impressive no matter how you look at it.

image via richmond.com

Rat basketball

When most people think of basketball, they probably think of tall people with some pretty impressive athletic skills. However, in Richmond Virginia, there is a different type of basketball being played, one you probably won’t even believe. At the Science Museum of Virginia, guests can watch teams of rates duke it out on the court in a game of rat basketball. Although rats certainly aren’t everybody’s thing, you’ve got to admit that the thought of rats doing their thing on the court is kind of appealing.

image via www.smv.org

Edgar Allan Poe

Although he was born in Boston, famous author, Edgar Allan Poe, spent much of his life in Richmond, and as you can imagine, this is something that the city is very proud of. In 1922 a museum in Richmond was opened in Poe’s honor. Although he never actually lived in the home where the museum is housed, it still draws countless people each year. If you’re into history and literature, this place should definitely be on your list of places to see when you’re in Richmond.

image via bluestockingredneck.blogspot.com

The third capital 

American history is full ups twists and turns, and here is one of them. Although there isn’t anyone alive who remembers a time when Richmond wasn’t the capital of Virginia, that was once the case. Prior to becoming the state capital at the start of the Revolutionary War, Jamestown and Williamsburg once served as the state’s capital.

image via plusmgt.com

Christmas lights

During the holiday season, there is nothing better than driving around local neighborhoods and seeing all of the beautiful Christmas lights. Well, each year when Christmas roles around, the good people of Richmond have no problem finding houses to go look at. Richmond has what is considered one of the best displays of Christmas lights in the country, and the city offers a Tacky Lights Tour each year. While the chance to experience a a ‘white Christmas’ are pretty slim, the holiday cheer certainly isn’t lacking in the least.

image via blog.relayfoods.com

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