Historic Garden Day
The heart of Richmond’s first Old & Historic District, St. John’s Church (1741) was the first church built in the city, and is notable as the site of Patrick Henry’s famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech. What came to be known as Church Hill is the oldest intact neighborhood, and contains the most antebellum structures in Richmond. Residences that range from early 19th century Federal style to mid-century Greek Revival and late 19th century styles, combined with granite pavers, brick sidewalks, gaslights, and a mature tree canopy, make Church Hill one of the best examples of preserved 19th century cityscape in the United States. Public open spaces along the river bluffs provide expansive views of the James River and city center, creating a unique parklike setting for this historic neighborhood.