Oregon Hill
District Boundaries: Cary Street to the James River and Linden Street to Belvidere

Oregon Hill is one of the best examples of an intact working-class Victorian (1837-1901) neighborhood in the United States. Originally located between a deep ravine and the now demolished State Penitentiary, the neighborhood was remote and difficult to access. This isolation from the rest of the city gave the neighborhood its fierce sense of independence. The residents were described at the turn of the 20th century as “a hardy and industrious and fiery race, disciples of Vulcan. ” The majority worked at the Tredegar Iron Works, or as carpenters, masons and other tradesmen or laborers. Most houses were built between 1860 and 1900. The inventory of houses is now 478, down from the original 1000 houses. Still a tight-knit community, the neighborhood works to keep its identity with directed restoration and revitalization efforts.

Corner of Laurel Street & Idlewood Avenue St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Complex, 1901 High Victorian Gothic. This church was sponsored by Miss Grace Arents, the niece of tobacco giant Major Lewis Ginter and heiress to the Ginter fortune. The complex contains a church, school, parish hall, library and a faculty residence. Miss Arents’ gift to Oregon Hill is one of Richmond’s best examples of this style.

617 South Cherry Street John Miller House, circa 1850 Vernacular. Originally built on South Laurel St., the house was moved in 1916 to its current location. It was built by John Miller, a cooper with the Gallego Flour Mills. It has the distinction of being one of the few remaining antebellum houses in Richmond to have been built, owned and occupied by free African-Americans. Miller was also a successful barber and Baptist minister. The house was saved and renovated by the Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council. Private residence.

601 Spring Street, Parson's Row, circa 1818 Federal. This house was in the neighborhood called Sydney, which was located next to Oregon Hill. It was built by Samuel Parsons, a Quaker and superintendent of the Penitentiary. It has changed hands many times and has recently undergone a complete renovation into apartments. Private residence.

Historic Richmond Foundation - The William Byrd Branch of APVA Preservation Virginia