RICHMOND (ante), became the capital of the state of Virginia in 1770, though then only a small village. Here the convention to ratify the federal constitution met in 1788, and it has been the scene of many other important political gatherings, national party conventions, etc. April 17. 1861, the state of Virginia seceded from the union; and July 20, Riclunond was the scene of an adjourned meeting of the confederate congress, being appointed the capital of the confederacy, a position which it held during the rebellion. At this time the confederate forces in Virginia numbered 60,000 men, under the com mand of gcn. Joseph E. Johnston, and thenceforward until the close of the war, Rich mond continued to be a chief point of attack by the federal forces. The destruction in the city during the evacuation of April 3, 1865, was chiefly in the business section, and included as many as 1000 buildings; which, with that of other property, involved a loss estimated at $8,000,000. Immediately after the cessation of hostilities, re-building was begun, and proceeded with great rapidity. Five bridges across the James river connect Richmond with Spring hill and Manchester, the latter town containing two fine cotton mills. Within a few hours' ride of the city are several battle-fields and national ceme teries. The Tredegar iron-works covering 15 acres, were employed for the manufacture of cannon during the existence of the confederacy, and are now among the most impor tant iron- works in the country. The Gallego and Haxall flour-mills are among the largest in the world. Hollywood cemetery, in the w. part of the city is an interesting spot, as well for its historic memories and personal associations, as for its natural and artificial beauties. An interesting monument is that which marks the grave of president James Monroe. Here also lies gen. J. E. B. Stuart, who commanded Lee's cavalry dur ing the rebellion; while hundreds of confederate dead rest within the portion of the cemetery appointed for the soldiers. Monroe and Marshall parks are respectively at the e. and w. ends of the city. Libby prison and Castle Thunder, used dining the war as military prisons, arc now tobacco warehouses. The state capitol is built in the Grwco composite style of architecture, with a portico of Ionic columns: the plan was drawn after that of the Afaison earree at Nismes, in France, and was supplied by Thomas Jef ferson, In the center of the building a square hall is surmounted by a dome, beneath which is Hondon's statue of Washington, of marble, life-size, representing him in his general' s uniform. On the esplanade, near the capitol square, is Crawford's famous
equestrian statue of Washington, claimed to be one of the finest bronzes in the world. Horse and rider are of colossal size, the animal half thrown back upon its haunches; the statue rises front it massive granite pedestal, and is surrounded by bronze figures of Pat rick Henry, ThoMas Jefferson, John Marshall, and other eminent Virginians. St. John's Episcopal church is famous as the place of meeting of the Virginia convention of 1775, which decided the attitude of the colony, and in which Patrick Henry made his celebrated speech, ending—" I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" This churea was also, in 1788. the place of meeting of the convention which ratified the federal constitution. The "Monumental " church was built on the site of the Richmond theater, destroyed by fire in 1811. Five lines of railroad intersect at Richmond, and there are regular lines of steamers connecting the city with Norfolk, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York. The population of Rich mond in 1880, was 63,803. The manufactures included iron-works, Cigar factories, coach and wagon factories, sugar-refineries, foundries, machine-shops, furniture, sheet ings and skirtings, stoneware, etc. The city is generally well laid out, and well built, time streets are lighted with gas; in the business quarter are solid and handsome struct ures. and the private residences arc usually built in the midst of gardens and lawns. The river view is fine at many points, particularly on Libby hill (Marshall park). In the state library are about 40,000 volumes, and this institution contains many valuable and interesting historical portraits. The custom-house and post-office are combined in a fine granite structure. The medical college is a characteristic specimen of Egyptian architecture. Near this building is the house, now used as a school. but during the war occupied by Jefferson Davis in his official capacity as president of the confederacy.