Shockoe Slip District
District Boundaries: 12th Street to 15th Street and Main Street to Dock Street

As the city grew westward, Shockoe Slip was the perfect location for Richmond commerce with its close proximity to the river and canal. Payloads of tobacco and produce could easily be moved from ships to the Slip's warehouses, mills and wholesale outlets. After the evacuation fire of 1865, this area was quickly rebuilt. Some of these buildings feature locally made cast-iron ornamentation. Neglected for years, Shockoe Slip became the focus of preservation efforts in the late 1970s. Warehouses and spall paving define the old business district which has become a thriving restaurant, entertainment and retail center.

Detail of the fountain

East Cary Street and 13th Street Shockoe Slip Fountain, 1909 In the center of this cobblestone piazza is a fountain dedicated to the memory of "one who loved animals." Once used by draught horses and now by the mounted police unit, the fountain is surrounded by the Bowers Brothers Warehouse (1882), the Columbian Building and the newly built Martin Advertising Agency.

Lady Byrd Hat Company

Many companies have adapted shockoe slip's historic buildings for their office space. First Market Bank and La Difference are two examples of adaptive reuse in the area.

View of Shockoe Slip:

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