Union Hill
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Union Hill area of Church Hill is located on the high western bluff above Shockoe Valley in Richmond, Virginia. Houses of a remarkable mix are balanced along the irregular, picturesque and sometimes narrow streets that follow the curve of the hill. Those homes that line Jefferson Park have a clear view of downtown Richmond. Bordered on the south by Jefferson Avenue, on the north by Venable Street, on the west by 25th Street, and by Mosby on the east, Union Hill's history began early in the nineteenth century.
The term Union Hill first occurs in 1817-- probably referring to the combination of several hills that were joined by fill and grading over the years. Union Hill is adjacent to the northern boundary of Church Hill but is unique in character, having an asymmetrical terrain that tells the story of topographical change
Union Hill's building lots were laid off in 1805, but it wasn't until 1845 that small tradesmen began to build in earnest along the cobblestone streets (many of which still exist today). These shoemakers, coach painters, tailors, carpenters, and mechanics found assistance from The Richmond Building and Loan Fund Association. Many of the frame houses changed hands frequently over the years, but several remained in families for generations. Attractive one-story cottages, two-story dwellings with scroll-saw verandahs, and houses with extended wings and shuttered porches line the hilly streets of Union Hill.
In this antebellum period a free-black and white working-class population lived harmoniously, unhindered by prejudice. During this same period a large influx of skilled German immigrants settled in Union Hill and added a Lutheran Church to the already established Methodist and Baptist churches. Union Hill still retains a variety of old church buildings which compliment the small neighborhood environs.
Annexed by the City of Richmond in 1867, Union Hill remains a living-history residential area located conveniently to downtown Richmond. This group of historic homes with spectacular views provides an investment vision for restoration-minded owners.
