Richmond: Downtown Walking Tour with Civil War & Civil Rights Stories

Summary

Walk through Richmond’s past from Jackson Ward to Capitol Square with stories of resilience, fire, and unexpected heroes

You’ll walk through Richmond’s downtown alongside locals, hearing stories from Jackson Ward’s vibrant beginnings to Capitol Square’s pivotal moments. Expect laughter over odd facts (beef juice?), quiet awe at Civil Rights landmarks, and glimpses into lives you probably never read about in textbooks. This is history you can actually feel under your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start our Richmond downtown walking tour in Jackson Ward — the guide called it “the Harlem of the South” and you could kind of feel that energy humming under the street. There was this mural, bright colors but a little faded by the sun, and someone selling coffee out of a window. Our guide, Marcus, waved at him like they’d known each other forever. He told us about Black Wall Street and honestly, I realized how little I knew about this part of Virginia’s history. The air smelled like rain even though it hadn’t started yet.

We wandered past old brick buildings — some with plaques I’d never have noticed on my own — and stopped at a statue of John Marshall. Marcus asked if anyone knew who he was; I sort of mumbled something about courts (not my proudest moment). He just grinned and said “Close enough,” then launched into stories about trials and beef juice (yes, really — apparently it was a thing). At Court End, he pointed out the Wickham House with its pale columns and explained how this neighborhood had seen everything from duels to presidential visits. Sometimes people on their lunch break would pause to listen in as we stood there, which made me feel like we were in on some secret.

The Civil War part hit harder than I thought it would. Standing near the old Medical College of Virginia, Marcus talked about hospital trains rolling in at night, lanterns swinging. He got quiet describing the evacuation fire — said you could still smell smoke in some bricks if you tried hard enough. Then suddenly he cracked a joke about “custodial skullduggery” that made everyone laugh (I still don’t know exactly what that means). It felt weirdly good to laugh after all that heaviness.

Capitol Square was busy — school kids running around, a couple taking wedding photos under trees just starting to bloom. We saw the governor’s mansion (second oldest in the country apparently) and walked over to the Civil Rights Memorial. Marcus told us about Brown v. Board of Ed like it happened yesterday; his voice got softer when he talked about those first students walking in. By then my feet were tired but my brain wouldn’t stop spinning with all these names and stories I’d never learned before.

The tour ended at a church with stained glass so deep blue it almost looked purple inside — designed by Jefferson’s apprentice, which felt oddly poetic after hearing how his plans for Richmond went sideways more than once. Someone asked if Edgar Allan Poe really counted as a Richmonder; Marcus just winked and said “He haunted enough places here.” I left thinking I’d never look at these streets quite the same way again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Richmond Downtown Historical Walking Tour

• Begin in historic Jackson Ward
• Hear about Richmond native John Marshall
• Visit Court End and Wickham and Davis houses
• Learn about Richmond as CSA capital and Lincoln's visit
• Visit original Medical College of Virginia
• Visit Jefferson's apprentice designed church
• See second oldest governor's mansion and Civil Rights Memorial
• Hear story of Richmond as third Commonwealth capital
• See newest addition to Capitol Square and learn about early women and slavery
• Visit Church of the Confederacy
• Hear story of proposed mausoleum for founding figures

Top questions

How long is the Richmond downtown walking tour?

The walking tour lasts approximately 100 minutes.

Where does the Richmond walking tour start?

The tour begins in historic Jackson Ward.

Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Does the Richmond walking tour include stories from the Civil War?

Yes, key moments from Richmond's Civil War history are covered on the tour.

Are headsets provided for safe distancing?

Yes, headsets are included so guests can hear clearly while maintaining distance.

Will we visit Capitol Square on this day trip?

Yes, Capitol Square is one of several stops along the route.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Service animals are permitted on the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes use of personal headsets for safe distancing as you stroll through historic neighborhoods like Jackson Ward and Court End with your local guide; families can bring strollers or prams for little ones; service animals are welcome; plus easy access via nearby public transport so you won’t have to worry about getting there or back.