place

Virginia War Memorial

1955 establishments in Virginia1955 sculpturesAfghanistan-Iraq War memorialsBuildings and structures completed in 1955Buildings and structures in Richmond, Virginia
History of Richmond, VirginiaIraq WarMarble sculptures in VirginiaMilitary monuments and memorials in the United StatesMonuments and memorials in VirginiaTourist attractions in Richmond, VirginiaVietnam War monuments and memorials in the United StatesWar in Afghanistan (2001–2021)World War II memorials in the United StatesWorld War I memorials in the United States
VirginiaWarMemorialStatue
VirginiaWarMemorialStatue

The Virginia War Memorial is a 1955 memorial in Richmond, Virginia, originally dedicated to Virginians killed in World War II and the Korean War. In 1980, the Shrine was enlarged to honor those Virginians killed in action in the Vietnam War. In 1996, the names of Virginians killed in action during Desert Storm/Desert Shield were added. Today, there are nearly 12,000 Virginians whose names are engraved on the Shrine of Memory's glass and stone walls. Reflecting the different character of war today, Virginia has created a special Memorial Shrine to honor the over 250 Virginians killed in the Global War on Terrorism. The Virginians at War documentary video series, combined with other efforts, significantly increased the War Memorial's public image in the local region and throughout the Commonwealth, and highlighted the message of the "Price of Freedom". The Memorial added staff and volunteers to meet the increasing demand for its educational offerings and to assist with increased visitors to the Memorial. With over 21,000 people from 45 states and 21 countries visiting the War Memorial in 2008, the facilities were stretched to the breaking point. In 2008, over 21,000 people from 45 states and 21 countries visited the memorial. As a result of this influx of visitors, some groups were turned away as the single auditorium could not support multiple groups for meetings. The Memorial is also used by active military personnel for events such as homecomings, re-enlistments, and promotions. To alleviate the increasing demand on the facilities, an education center was planned to expand the educational opportunities and outreach for students and visitors, and to provide adequate visitor services. A design was created to add an 18,000 square foot education center that would provide additional space to accommodate multiple groups and visitors.

Excerpt from the Wikipedia article Virginia War Memorial (License: CC BY-SA 3.0, Authors, Images).

Virginia War Memorial
South Belvidere Street, Richmond Oregon Hill

Geographical coordinates (GPS) Address Phone number Website External links Nearby Places
placeShow on map

Wikipedia: Virginia War MemorialContinue reading on Wikipedia

Geographical coordinates (GPS)

Latitude Longitude
N 37.5369 ° E -77.4486 °
placeShow on map

Address

Virginia War Memorial

South Belvidere Street 621
23220 Richmond, Oregon Hill
Virginia, United States
mapOpen on Google Maps

Phone number

call804.786.2060

Website
vawarmemorial.org

linkVisit website

linkWikiData (Q7934654)
linkOpenStreetMap (822396322)

VirginiaWarMemorialStatue
VirginiaWarMemorialStatue
Share experience

Nearby Places

Virginia State Penitentiary
Virginia State Penitentiary

Virginia State Penitentiary was a prison in Richmond, Virginia. Towards the end of its life it was a part of the Virginia Department of Corrections. First opening in 1800, the prison was completed in 1804; it was built due to a reform movement preceding its construction. Thomas Jefferson initiated these reforms and submitted an initial design which was not constructed. The original building was the first American design of Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who later designed the U.S. Capitol building. In the early 19th-century, the penitentiary operated a nail factory that was staffed by its prisoners. It was in direct competition with Thomas Jefferson's nail factory and Catharine Flood McCall's Alexandria factory that were staffed by enslaved and free laborers. The Penitentiary became profitable in 1807 from prisoner-made nails and other products. By 1815, it undercut McCall's and Jefferson's businesses, both of which ultimately closed down. The prison began hosting executions on October 13, 1908. In 1928 the original building was demolished and a new prison was erected on the same site in Richmond, just north of the James River. It expanded to occupy an entire campus of high-walled cellblocks and administrative buildings, in the block bordered by Byrd, Spring, Belvedere and South 2nd Streets. It once housed Virginia's men's death row and execution chamber in Building A.The prison closed in 1991, and the execution chamber was moved to the Greensville Correctional Center near Jarratt. The Virginia State Penitentiary was demolished that year. The site is owned by Afton Chemical.