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A.C.O.R.N. SUPPORTS UNION HILL
HISTORIC DISTRICT INITIATIVE

Princess Anne Street

As a part of its mission to conserve Richmond's oldest, most historic, and most endangered communities, A.C.O.R.N. has donated funds in support of Union Hill's Historic District Initiative (UHHDI).  Union Hill is another historic residential gem situated adjacent to the northern boundary of Church Hill on the high western bluff above Shockoe Valley.  Bordered on the south by Jefferson Avenue, on the north by Carrington Street, on the west by 25th Street, and by Mosby on the east, the area is a living-history neighborhood located conveniently to downtown Richmond. [Click here to see a map of the proposed boundaries of the Union Hill Historic District.]

The term "Union Hill" first occurs in 1817-- probably referring to the combination of several hills that had been joined by fill and grading over the years.  Now, in the 21st century, houses of a remarkable architectural mix still line the irregular, picturesque, and sometimes narrow streets that follow the curve of the hill. Those lining Jefferson Park have clear and spectacular views of the city.

While Union Hill's building lots were laid off in 1805, it was not until 1845 that 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 and two-story dwellings with scroll-saw verandahs, and houses with extended wings and shuttered porches stand along the hilly streets of Union Hill.

In this antebellum period a free-black and white working-class population lived harmoniously. 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 Baptists churches. Union Hill still retains a variety of old church buildings, which compliment the small neighborhood environs. It was annexed by the City of Richmond in 1867.

A.C.O.R.N. was pleased to contribute $1,000.00 to help the UHHDI cover printing, mailing and related costs for the distribution of information to all property owners in the community in support of Historic District designation.