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Home Virginia Henrico County Richmond Historical Markers Adams-Van Lew House

Adams-Van Lew House

Gills Bridge Rd, Richmond, VA , USA

Latitude & Longitude: 37° 2' 15.657036", -77° 50' 35.394468"
  Virginia VA State Historical Marker
Virginia State
Historical Marker

 
Richmond mayor Dr. John Adams built a mansion here in 1802. It became the residence of Elizabeth Van Lew (1818—1900) whose father obtained it in 1836. During the Civil War, Elizabeth Van Lew led a Union espionage operation. African Americans, such as Van Lew's associate Mary Jane Richards (whose story closely parallels that of legendary spy Mary Elizabeth Bowser), served in Richmond's Unionist underground. Van Lew served as postmaster of Richmond from 1869 to 1877. Maggie Lena Walker, nationally known African American businesswoman, banker, and leader of the Independent Order of St. Luke, was born here by 1867. The house was razed in 1911 and in 1912 the Bellevue School was erected in its place.

Last updated: 2/14/2015 15:17:00
 
   
 
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Adams-Van Lew House Historical Marker Location Map, Richmond, Virginia Map