🏛️ Richmond: The Former Capital of the Confederacy

The third stop on my Virginia trip was Richmond, the state capital and once the Confederate capital during the American Civil War. The most famous landmark here is the White House of the Confederacy. Surprisingly, this residence of the Southern president is quite small — nothing like the U.S. White House! Although the building itself is original, the interior has been meticulously restored based on historical records 🖼️, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Confederate leader. Nearby, you’ll find the Virginia State Capitol and City Hall. The Capitol was designed by Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president 🏛️. Entry is free, but security screening is required. Most exhibits are on the second floor, which features a statue of George Washington surrounded by busts of U.S. presidents from Virginia. The space is crowned by a beautiful rotunda — a signature Jeffersonian touch. Flanking the central hall are the Senate and House of Delegates chambers. Don’t miss the Old Chamber, preserved as it looked in the 19th century. Other highly recommended sites: American Civil War Museum: Rich with artifacts and narratives 📜🔍 Hollywood Cemetery: Burial site of Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and thousands of Civil War soldiers — with a dedicated section for fallen troops ⚔️🍃 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Famous for its collections (though I didn’t have time this visit 🎨😢) #HistoricArchitecture #CulturalSites #USTravel #AmericanHistory #PostPandemicEra #Virginia #CivilWarHistory #SummerTravel #HiddenGems