Monroe Park

Historic Significance

Established in 1851, Monroe Park holds the distinction of being Richmond's oldest municipal park. The 7.5-acre park occupies a pentagonal-shaped plot bounded by Belvidere, Franklin, Laurel, and Main Streets, situated approximately one mile northwest of the Virginia State Capitol Building.

Originally serving as the State Fairgrounds in the mid-19th century, Monroe Park was later used as a military camp and hospital during the American Civil War. After the war, it transitioned into a recreational space for Richmond's residents.

Design and Features

The park's design features a network of paved paths radiating from a central cast iron fountain, intersecting among lawns and mature deciduous trees.

Throughout its history, Monroe Park has undergone several changes and renovations. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, various statues and monuments were added to the landscape, including memorials to Williams Carter Wickham and Joseph Bryan.

The park is also home to the Checkers House, an octagonal Art Deco pavilion built in 1939 to replace an earlier bandstand.

Current Role

Today, Monroe Park serves as a central gathering place for the community and forms part of the Virginia Commonwealth University campus. It provides a green oasis in the urban environment, offering residents and students a space for relaxation, recreation, and public events.

The park underwent a major renovation in 2018, led by the Monroe Park Conservancy, aimed at improving its facilities and preserving its historic character.