Buzz
Richmond, Virginia, often called "River City," boasts neighborhoods with unique and intriguing names such as "Shockoe Slip" and "Three Chopt." Explore the origins behind seven of the most distinctive districts in Virginia’s capital.
1. COURT END
Court End, a historic area dotted with government structures like the Virginia State Capitol, Executive Mansion, and the White House of the Confederacy, reflects Richmond’s past as the Confederate capital. Its name originates from the Supreme Court of Virginia, situated close to the State Capitol, alongside the U.S. District Court, making it a hub for judicial activity.
2. SHOCKOE SLIP/SHOCKOE BOTTOM
Ayasha via Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The term Shockoe carries a melodic tone and deep historical significance. It references Shockoe Creek, named after Shacahocan, a Powhatan/Algonquin term meaning a flat rock at the creek’s entrance. Shockoe Slip, once a bustling trading post, derived its “slip” from the docking area for cargo boats. Over time, it evolved into Richmond’s commercial hub.
Nearby Shockoe Bottom, however, holds a darker history as the heart of Richmond’s slave trade. Slave jails, including the one where Solomon Northup from 12 Years a Slave was held, were prevalent here. Much of Shockoe Bottom, along with its namesake creek, has since been developed and paved over.
3. THE FAN
Bill Dickinson via Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The Fan, one of Richmond’s most picturesque neighborhoods, earns its name from the fan-shaped layout of streets extending from Monroe Park. Architecture enthusiasts will be captivated by its array of historic homes showcasing diverse architectural styles.
Originally, The Fan wasn’t always called by this name. A portion of it was once known as Scuffletown, a nod to the skirmish between Benedict Arnold and Richmond’s militia in 1781. Wealthy residents later built elegant homes in the area, and plans for a town named “Sydney” emerged in 1817. However, Sydney never materialized. The Fan evolved from the remnants of Scuffletown and Sydney, ultimately defined by its distinctive street patterns.
4. JACKSON WARD
Taber Andrew Bain via Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Once known
Known as the “Black Wall Street,” Jackson Ward was once the epicenter of African-American business and culture. A sanctuary for free Black individuals before the Civil War, it flourished into a vibrant African-American community post-war. The origin of its name remains unclear, with one theory suggesting Ulysses S. Grant named it after Andrew Jackson in 1871, while another theory links it to Jackson’s Garden, an English-style garden created by a Union College professor.
Regardless of its naming origins, Jackson Ward became renowned for its prosperous African-American community, boasting robust banks, businesses, and top-tier entertainment. Following urban renewal and desegregation, the neighborhood saw a decline as residents relocated. However, it has since experienced a resurgence and is now recognized as a historic district.
5. THREE CHOPT
Joel Sowers via Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Three Chopt, a West End neighborhood in Richmond, traces its origins to Colonial times. It derives its name from Three Notch’d Road, a major route connecting eastern and central Virginia. Settlers marked trees with three notches while transforming a Native American trail into a proper road [PDF]. This led to its alternate name, Three Chopt (Chopped) Road, which ultimately became the lasting identifier.
6. LIBBY HILL
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Richmond is often compared to Rome, being built on seven hills, though the official list of these hills remains debated. Many neighborhoods derive their names from these prominent elevations.
Libby Hill takes its name from Luther Libby, a notable Richmond resident and landowner. Although he had no direct involvement, a warehouse he leased became Libby Prison, infamous for housing Union POWs during the Civil War. The prison was notorious for its harsh conditions and a dramatic 1864 escape, where 109 prisoners tunneled to freedom.
Libby Hill also holds historical significance as the spot where Richmond got its name. Standing on the hill, early settlers were reminded of Richmond-upon-Thames in England, inspiring the city’s name.
7. CARYTOWN
Bill Dickinson via Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Carytown earned its reputation as a shopping hub thanks to being home to Richmond’s first strip mall. The area is named after Cary Street, which honors Colonel Archibald Cary, one of Virginia’s wealthiest men. A close associate of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, Cary played a key role in funding and establishing the colonies’ government. His wealth came from flour mills, a foundry, and a plantation reliant on enslaved labor. Despite its deep historical ties, Carytown only adopted its current name in the 1970s, following a community vote to name it after its central street.
