Originally named Clover Street, Boulevard was once a small road running through Channing Robinson’s farmland. In 1884 Robinson’s land became the site of the Robert E. Lee Camp No. 1, a home for Confederate veterans that included a hospital, chapel and cottages. Robinson’s house and the chapel (below) still stand on the property that now belongs to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. In 1890 the street was widened and renamed the “Boulevard.” It provided access to Resevoir Park, now called Byrd Park, by the Main Street trolley line. Boulevard is lined with fashionable apartment houses that were popular in the early decades of the twentieth century. The apartment houses are mixed with town houses of varying styles. Many of these buildings have recently undergone extensive renovation.

Corner of Boulevard & Grove Avenue
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Classical Revival. Architects: Peebles and Ferguson. One of the largest art museums in the South, it houses a collection of fine art: from Faberge eggs, Asian, African, Egyptian and medieval art to French Impressionists, pop art, sculpture and prints. Open to the public.

Confederate Chapel, Behind the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, c1887

428 North Boulevard
The Virginia Historical Society,
formerly Battle Abbey, 1911

Classical Revival. Founded in 1831, the Society moved here in 1959 from the Stewart-Lee house on Franklin Street (see page 13). The building was The Confederate Memorial Institute. The VHS has a research library and a large collection of items relating to Virginia history. Also located here is the headquarters of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Open to the public. 804-358-4901.