Advocacy

Oregon Hill is one of the best examples of an intact working-class Victorian (1837-1901) neighborhood in the United States. Originally located between a deep ravine and the now demolished State Penitentiary, the neighborhood was remote and difficult to access. This isolation from the rest of the city gave the neighborhood its fierce sense of independence. The residents were described at the turn of the 20th century as “a hardy and industrious and fiery race, disciples of Vulcan. ” The majority worked at the Tredegar Iron Works, or as carpenters, masons and other tradesmen or laborers. Most houses were built between 1860 and 1900. The inventory of houses is now 478, down from the original 1000 houses. Still a tight-knit community, the neighborhood works to keep its identity with directed restoration and revitalization efforts.