Richmond VA Moving Companies

Richmond, Virginia

Nationally renowned for its vivacity, Richmond's diversified employment base extends from chemical, semiconductors and high-tech fibers. The city consistently ranks among "Best Places to Live and Work in America" in several national publications. While offering easy access to the ocean, mountains and Washington, DC, Richmond features countless pastimes at home. Trendy boutiques and restaurants, numerous sports and entertainment attractions, outdoor pursuits among one of the nation's largest river park systems, and a treasure trove of historic landmarks provide fun times galore when moving to Richmond.

History:
Powhatan Indian tribes occupied the area until Captains Christopher Newport and John Smith discovered it in 1607. After several unsuccessful attempts to establish an English settlement, the area eventually succeeded with the construction of Fort Charles; the settlement’s growth made it a center for fur and tobacco traders. The city was founded by Colonel William Byrd II in 1737, and named it Richmond. In the early 1700s, coalmining began. As with much of Virginia’s agricultural products, tobacco was a key commercial venture. The state capital was moved to Richmond from Williamsburg in 1780 to protect it from British invasion, but the move failed. The British burned the capital a year later; and in the 1800s, the Bank of Virginia was chartered and the city’s first public library opened. When Civil War broke out, Richmond became the Capital of the Confederacy. By 1880, the city’s population had climbed to over 60,000 people. The city’s 400 years of history represented in the city’s museums and historic homes and landmarks.

Economy:
Richmond, Virginia has a sturdy and diverse manufacturing base that has helped the community remain flexible during economic downturns. Information technology and major semiconductor manufacturing firms have been attracted to Richmond. The increase in semiconductor firms in the city has made the city a central point of the East Coast's Silicon Dominion. Innovative technology makes Richmond a center for entrepreneurship and innovation. Richmond is a financial hub for an industrially strong and diverse region that is comprised of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and the District of Columbia. Banking has always been a major employer in the Richmond area. Insurance is also a strong and balanced growth industry in the Richmond area. Richmond is headquarters for GE Financial Assurance Markel Corporation and LandAmerica Financial Group. The city has become a significant East Coast distribution axis and customer service hub with the arrival of firms like Capital One, Hewlett Packard, Mazda and Time-Life.

Tourism:
History abounds in the Richmond Region, with roots stretching back to America’s founding. Begin your experience by paying tribute to Virginia’s early colonial days and Civil War legacy at one of the city’s interactive historical attractions. Discover everything from historic homes to Revolutionary War and Civil War sites. Or, soar high above the scenic Virginia countryside aboard a hot-air balloon. Take a stroll through the eclectic River District, where hip eateries occupy ancient warehouses, and live bands serenade the crowds. Next, stop by the Edgar Allan Poe Museum and see firsthand how the mysterious writer spent his time in Richmond. For some family fun, head over to the Metro Richmond Zoo or the Children's Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden— it features a tree house, and water play areas to help you cool off. Finally, check out the Science Museum of Virginia before heading downtown to wrap up the evening with a cocktail at one of the city’s quaint bars.

Colleges/Universities:

• Virginia Commonwealth University
• University of Richmond
• Virginia Union University

Interesting Facts:

• Virginia has had three capital cities: Jamestown, Williamsburg and Richmond.
• Richmond was also the capital of the Confederate States during the Civil War.
• Patrick Henry made his "Give me Liberty or Give me Death" speech in St. John's Church in Richmond.