Site
Name: Oregon Hill neighborhood
Date
of Construction: 1758
Reason
for Construction: Built as a residence for William
Byrd III to overlook the James River
Site
History: Oregon Hill belonged to the Byrd family
during its early years. In 1817, the property was segmented into plots of land
by its owners, the Harvies. These plots of land were sold to provide housing
for local ironworkers. In the 1850s, the original Byrd house burned down, but
by that point, the house was one of many in the Oregon Hill neighborhood. The
high concentration of workers in this neighborhood allowed Richmond to become
an industrial center in the post-Civil War era. Today, the neighborhood is
still mostly populated by working class families.
Area
History: As stated, Oregon Hill has been home to
a primarily working-class population. The area was annexed by Richmond in 1869,
and since then, the borders have shifted numerous times. Today, Oregon Hill is
bounded by Cary St, Belvidere St, the James River, and Linden St. / Hollywood
Cemetery.
What
about the site has changed? Although the houses are mostly
over a hundred years old, the community has been able to preserve many of them.
Many houses that have been torn down or lost to fire damage are being restored.
In 2007, an apartment complex known as “the Overlook” was erected. This is
evidence that the neighborhood has progressed, even with the preservation
efforts.
What
about the surrounding area has changed? Oregon Hill’s
biggest change would be in physical boundaries. After Riverside Park was
claimed by the city, the area lost a significant amount of land. Although the
community isn’t an ironworking center, the population is majorly working-class
white families.
Reflection:
This project showed me how communities can work to
preserve history. I also learned about how Richmond adapted to become an
industrial city after the Civil War. I think it is pretty interesting how
Oregon Hill was created for one rich man, but eventually was divided up amongst
working class Americans.
Sources:
“Oregon Hill Historic District”.
National Park Service.
http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/richmond/OregonHillHD.html
(accessed February 19th, 2015).
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