Oregon Hill facts for kids
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Oregon Hill Historic District
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View down Laurel Street in Oregon Hill
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| Location | Roughly bounded by W. Cary St., Belvidere St., Oregon Hill Park, S. Cherry St. and S. Linden St., Richmond, Virginia |
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| Area | 84 acres (34 ha) |
| Architect | Noland & Baskervill; Martin, Baylor S. |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 91000022 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 5, 1991 |
Oregon Hill is a historic neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia. It's known for being a place where many working-class families have lived. This area looks out over the James River and Belle Isle, and it's very close to Hollywood Cemetery.
Because it's so near the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campus, many college students also live here. In the past, important people like William Byrd III and Grace Arents helped shape the community.
Exploring Oregon Hill's Past
How Oregon Hill Began
Back in 1758, a man named William Byrd III built his country home, Belvidere, on this very hill. It had amazing views of the James River! About 100 years later, a fire destroyed his house. By then, the area had changed from farms to factories.
The Canal and New Jobs
Starting in 1785, the James River and Kanawha Canal was built. This brought many new people to Oregon Hill. Boatmen, merchants, mill workers, and iron workers moved here for jobs.
Why "Oregon Hill"?
The neighborhood got its name because people joked that moving here to be close to work was like moving all the way to Oregon! It was a long journey for some. By the 1850s, big companies like the Tredegar Iron Works and Albemarle Paper Company were major employers.
Community Growth and Changes
After the American Civil War, many new buildings were constructed. Richmond officially made Oregon Hill part of the city in 1869. The Pine Street Baptist Church, built in 1886, is one of the oldest churches still standing.
Riverside Park, which borders the neighborhood, was created in 1889. Many parts of the park, like its walkways, were built in the 1930s.
Helping the Community
In 1873, St. Andrew's Church began as a Sunday school. Later, in 1894, a kind person named Grace Arents started a kindergarten. This grew into the St. Andrew's School.
Around the same time, Sadie Cabaniss started a place to help nurses, which is now called the William Byrd Community House. These places still help families in the area today.
Oregon Hill Today
Where is Oregon Hill?
Today, Oregon Hill is surrounded by Cary Street to the north, Belvidere Street to the east, the James River to the south, and Hollywood Cemetery to the west. It's just a few blocks from Virginia Commonwealth University.
A Popular Spot for Students
Because it's so close to VCU, many students choose to rent houses or apartments in Oregon Hill. It's a lively area with a mix of long-time residents and college students.
New Buildings and Changes
Recently, Oregon Hill has seen a lot of new construction. Old buildings have been fixed up, and new townhouses have been built where empty lots used to be. A new complex called The Overlook was finished recently, offering homes with views of the James River.
One important spot in the neighborhood is Moss's House. The only restaurant in Oregon Hill is L'opossum, which is quite famous and has even had visitors like Tom Hanks!
Keeping the Community Spirit
With new development, the cost of living has gone up. This means some families who have lived in Oregon Hill for many generations are finding it harder to stay. However, the neighborhood still works to keep its strong community spirit.
Famous People from Oregon Hill
Many interesting people have lived in Oregon Hill, especially while attending VCU:
- Boris Kodjoe, an actor
- Members of the heavy metal band Lamb of God
- Caressa Cameron, who was crowned Miss America in 2010
- Donnie Corker, an entertainer and activist
- Christopher Poole, who founded the website 4chan
- Troy Daniels, a professional basketball player
- Jay Pharoah, a cast member from Saturday Night Live
- David Baldacci, a best-selling novelist
- Mary Jackson, a leader during the 1863 Richmond Bread Riot
See also
- Samuel Pleasants Parsons House, a historic building in the Oregon Hill Historic District
