The Carillon is located in Byrd Park. Between 1924 and 1928, the Virginia General Assembly acted to create a World War Memorial Commission and build a lasting memorial to the heroic efforts of Virginia's World War I servicemen and servicewomen. The city donated a building site in Byrd Park. The War Memorial Carillon is 240 feet high and The Carillon instrument was built by John Taylor Bell Founders of England. The Carillon Tower originally carried sixty-six bells, but played fifty-three notes - the top thirteen notes had duplicate bells in an unsuccessful effort to produce a louder sound. When the carillon was renovated in the early 1970's, the thirty-four bells which played the highest twenty-one notes were recast into twenty-one new bells with thicker profiles than the originals, producing a better sound. Now there are fifty-three bells for fifty-three notes.
The carillon is played on special occasions, usually on veteran-related holidays
(Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, Flag Day and Labor Day) and a spring series of concerts have been funded in the past by the Carillon Civic Association.
Memorial concerts may be arranged by calling (804)646-1437.
The city of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities operates seven
municipal cemeteries. Although all of them have historical interest, the three that
are particularly noteworthy are Shockoe Hill, Oakwood, and St. John's Church.
Located at Cherry and Albemarle Streets, Richmond's most spectacular
burial ground was established in 1847. U.S. Presidents James Monroe and
John Tyler are here, as is Confederate President Jefferson Davis,
Generals J.E.B. Stuart and George Pickett are joined by 18,000 less
illustrious Confederate soldiers including more than 2,000 removed
from the Gettysburg battlefield. The southern section of Hollywood
overlooks the James River and affords some of the best views of the
river and the city skyline. Maps are available at the office just
inside the gate. There is only one entrance to this private cemetery.
Take Belvidere Street (U.S. 1) south toward the river, turn right on
Spring Street, go three blocks to Cherry Street then turn right. The
entrance is on your left at Albemarle.
For more information, call (804)648-8501.
Located at 21st and Franklin Streets is believed to be one of the first Jewish
cemeteries in America, dating from 1790. This burial ground was established
by Isaiah Isaacs for German and Dutch Jews who were early settlers here.
By the time of the Civil War, most of the graves had been moved to the
newer Hebrew Cemetery established in 1817 at Fourth and Hospital Streets
above Shockoe Cemetery.
Located 621 South Belvidere Street, this memorial honors Virginians
in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. For
more information, call (804)786-2050.
Arthur Ashe, Jr. was born and raised in Richmond. He was the 1975
Wimbledon tennis champion and member of the Davis Cup Team. This monument
commemorates his achievements and his community spirit, located at
Monument and Roseneath Road.
His statue can be found at Adams and West Leigh Streets in Jackson Ward.
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was born on North 3rd Street, he appeared in
the first African-American talking picture, and achieved his greatest
popularity in movie roles featuring his famed staircase dance routines.
He danced with Shirley Temple in six films. He was a notable humanitarian.
Robinson paid for the traffic light at this intersection after a child was injured crossing.
First and only president of the Confederate States of America. The columns behind his statue represent the confederate states and
those that contributed soldiers. The monument is located at Monument and Davis.
Given the nickname "Stonewall" at the first battle of Manassas, Jackson died as a result of "friendly fire" at the battle of
Chancellorsville. The monument is located at Monument and the Boulevard.
The only person ever offered the command of two opposing armies;
Lee led the Army of Northern Virginia from June 1, 1862, to its surrender
at Appomattox. The monument is located at Monument and Allen.
Known as the father of modern oceanography, this confederate naval officer
is credited with inventing the electronic torpedo. The monument is located
at Monument and Belmont.
Dashing confederate cavalry commander who died just a few blocks from this
site of wounds suffered at Yellow Tavern, north of the city of Richmond,
in 1864. He was 31 years old. The monument is located at Monument and Lombardy.
Located on the south end of 29th Street, the base of this monument,
dedicated in 1894 to the common Confederate soldiers and sailors,
affords one of the best views of the James River. It is said that
William Byrd II stood on this spot and found the view similar to
one in Richmond on the Thames and therefore gave this city its name.