Hidden History of Richmond

Hidden History

by Walter S. Griggs Jr.

The course of Richmond's history as it emerged from the Civil War as a bustling economic powerhouse is well recorded. Yet there are some stories that have all but vanished from recollection. These lesser-known tales of the personalities who shaped the capital's past are unearthed from the archives by Richmond Guide writer Walter S. Griggs Jr. From the hushed whispers of an entire congregation as Robert E. Lee prayed with a slave at communion to the donation of over two hundred pigeons by fellow Richmonders to serve the war effort, these are lost vignettes of Richmond. Travel with Griggs to the bygone days of the twentieth century to test-drive the first successful automobile manufactured in Richmond, the Kline Kar, or witness the first airplane to fly over Richmond, the Gold Bug soaring over the Diamond. Hidden History of Richmond is a fascinating collection that reveals the city's forgotten but most remarkable histories.

Genres: History

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2012

Reviews

[Dominic Willsdon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Romantic rather than thoughtful

The sympathy for the Confederacy makes this hard to read for the contemporary reader. I was looking for a history of Richmond that’s more thoughtful about that history, and not so nostalgic and romantic

[Melanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. Although some of the information is ok, the book is haphazardly organized, the writing style is unpleasantly florid and the author seems to be rather in love with the bs romanticism of the "Glorious Lost Cause". Bleh.

[Oliver Karam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really not a history book, but a compilation of short anecdotes.

[Ryan O'B · Rating 2 out of 5]

The subject matter is all over the place and I found many of the topics covered to be pretty mundane.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with plenty of good information. I found the writing a bit flowery at times, but appreciated learning about some unknown spots of historical significance.

Edited to add: last weekend in the car, my husband and I happened to pass the old Richmond Auditorium. I recognized it from this book and filled my husband in on its history.