Name: Richmond and the Republic: Court End Walking Tour
Start: 2026-09-27
End: 2026-09-27

The Valentine is has been collecting, preserving and interpreting Richmond Stories for over 125 years. Located in the heart of the historic Court End neighborhood, the Valentine is a place for residents and tourists to discover the diverse stories that tell the broader history of this important region. As one of the first museums in Richmond, the Valentine offers bold exhibitions, innovative tours, special events, school programs and more as a way to use the past to inform the present and shape the future. Admission includes 2 hours of parking, a guided tour of the Wickham House and access to our rotating calendar of exhibitions. The Valentine is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. with extended hours (until 7 p.m.) and free admission every Thursday. Visitors can find parking in our lot at 407 N. 10th Street or at the MCV Visitor Parking Deck which is free with validation from our front desk.

The Valentine

Uncover stories of murder, mayhem, and tragedy while experiencing the secret histories that hide in the shadows. From the Powhatan Confederacy to today’s grisly murders, hear honest accounts from authoritative guides of the events that shaped this beloved River City and led to the very real Richmond Ghosts. Step into the turmoil of Richmond’s dark past. Richmond is where the revolutionary spark was set aflame. From St. John’s Church, Patrick Henry fanned the dream that would eventually transform into the wave of revolution across the 13 United States. It is the place where iconic figures like Benedict Arnold and Thomas Jefferson helped shape history. Richmond is also the home of villains, murderers, and rogues. Of the ghosts and spirits that wander its streets, some are welcoming, others diabolic, but they all have good stories to share. Richmond Ghosts will take you through Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom area – home to some of America’s oldest and most haunted buildings, tunnels, and grounds. These tales are based on historical events, local folklore, and eyewitness accounts. They will delight and scare you with a plethora of paranormal activity. Walk with us through history, the Colonial era, and the chaos of the Civil War, the unfeeling industrial revolution, and on. On your tour, you will feel the shadows of the slave trade’s terrible sins and hear tales that will freeze the very marrow in your bones. Hear chilling tales about the ghosts of the roaring 20s’, the decadent 70s’ and macabre modern specters that refuse to leave Richmond’s streets. We strive to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date information about Richmond’s haunted past and ongoing paranormal activity.

Richmond Ghosts

Discover Richmond Stories with the most experienced guides in the city. From historic cemeteries to the murals of Jackson Ward and the shady streets of Church Hill, our walking and bus tours dive deep into Richmond’s historic sites and charming neighborhoods, uncovering the hidden histories in the art, architecture and landscape around us. The Valentine’s public Richmond walking and bus tours are offered April – November. Visit our event calendar for the full schedule of tours and to purchase tickets.

Richmond History Tours by the Valentine

The Valentine Museum Store is your go-to destination for gifts that capture the spirit of Richmond. Thoughtfully curated and full of local character, the shop features items inspired by the city’s history, creativity, and culture. Browse a rotating selection of jewelry, tee shirts, stationery, books, and one-of-a-kind finds, many of them handmade by Richmond artists and makers. You’ll also discover products from beloved local businesses, making every purchase a way to support the community and the museum itself. Whether you’re searching for the perfect souvenir, a meaningful gift, or something special just for you, the Valentine Museum Store offers something you won’t find anywhere else. The store is open during museum hours, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by on Thursday for extended hours (until 7 p.m.) and free museum admission.

The Valentine Museum Store

Explore the Wickham House, a neoclassical-inspired home steps away from the Virginia State Capitol, built between 1812-1815 for Richmond attorney John Wickham and his wife Elizabeth. New England architect Alexander Parris designed the Wickhams’ home to accommodate their large family and the enslaved individuals who lived and labored there. This historic home allows us to tell the complex story of the Wickham family and the home’s enslaved occupants, revealing the realities of urban slavery and life in early 1800s Richmond. The Wickham House was later purchased by Mann S. Valentine II, and in 1898 became the first home of the Valentine Museum. Today, guided, dialogue-based tours focus on the period of Wickham ownership during the early Federal period and include stories of the free and enslaved inhabitants of the home as well as the Wickham family. Tours are available on the hour from 11-4 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday, typically last 45-minutes and are included in Valentine museum admission.

The Wickham House

The John Marshall House, built in 1790 in the fashionable Court End neighborhood of Richmond, was the home of the Great Chief Justice for forty-five years. Listed on the National and Virginia Historic Registers, the John Marshall House has undergone remarkably few changes since Marshall’s lifetime. The house contains many original Marshall family pieces and the largest collection of Richmond made federal furnishings. Your guided tour of Marshall’s home will remove you from the bustling 21st century urban center of downtown Richmond into a time when the river city was just beginning to flourish as the new Capital of Virginia and the Court End neighborhood was a popular location to live. You can enjoy a guided tour of the house, take a stroll through the colorful garden, visit the museum shop or play a round of quoits (John Marshall's favorite game).

John Marshall House

Come see the oldest surviving brick structure in the City of Richmond, built for John Marshall and his family in 1790. The site, occupied by the Marshalls and 8-16 enslaved laborers, allows guests to enter the complex yet intriguing world of Richmond in the Early Republic. Learn about the Chief Justice’s legal impact, explore an incredibly preserved historic house and its furnishings, and learn the stories of those who endured and resisted during slavery on site. The John Marshall House is located in Richmond’s historic Court End district and is minutes away from the Virginia State Capitol and the Valentine Museum. Guided tours are available from 10:00am to 5:00pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from March–December.

Richmond is your game board. Are you ready to play? Experience the ORIGINAL Amazing Race–style scavenger hunt — often imitated, never duplicated. Urban Adventure Quest transforms Richmond's Capitol City into a self-paced, clue-solving adventure that blends sightseeing, strategy, and just the right amount of friendly competition. Guided entirely from your smartphone, your team will navigate iconic landmarks and hidden gems, solving creative challenges while uncovering fascinating local history along the way. 2.5 - 3 hours of interactive fun Begins at the Old City Hall Play anytime during daylight hours Start when you want. Move at your pace. You’ll explore historic architecture, legendary hotels, vibrant parks, and stunning outdoor art — all while laughing, thinking, and collaborating with your crew. Perfect for: - Families - Friend groups - Date nights - Corporate team building Whether you’re a lifelong Richmonder or visiting for the weekend, this experience offers a fresh, engaging way to connect with the city — and with each other. Save 20% — Just $39.20 per team (2–5 people) Use Promo Code: VISITRICHMOND Register at: www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com Fresh air. Friendly competition. Real connection. And yes — we offer a no-worry, money-back guarantee.

Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure- Richmond

This Victorian Gothic building, completed as Richmond's city hall in 1894, is as dramatic inside with its 3-foot granite walls as it is outside. Now a private office building, the interior "courtyard" is a three-story painted cast-iron marvel. Troubled from the beginning, with a 400 percent cost overrun during its construction, the building was saved from demolition by the Historic Richmond Foundation. Visitors welcome on the first floor only. The building is open during normal business hours.

Old City Hall

Monumental Church was designed by Robert Mills, America’s first native born architect. It was on this site that the Virginia Ratifying Convention was held for three weeks in June, 1788. Constructed in 1814, the structure is a memorial to the 72 individuals that died in the Richmond Theater Fire of 1811. Monumental Church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1969. It resides in Richmond’s historic Court End, slightly north of Shockoe Slip and west of Church Hill.

Monumental Church

The Library of Virginia’s collections are rich with records documenting the lives of African Americans in Virginia. "Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative" project aims to provide greater accessibility to pre-1865 African American history and genealogy found in the rich primary sources in its holdings. We also offer African American genealogy workshops and an African American Research Guide, and sponsor the annual Strong Men & Women in Virginia History program with Dominion Energy.

Library of Virginia

The Virginia Shop at the Library of Virginia specializes in Virginia-made products from food to jewelry and offers gifts and goodies with a literary twist. You can also find us at the Virginia State Capitol Building where we fill the demand for everything from Founding Father Bobbleheads to books on Virginia history for tourists and Virginia citizens alike.

The Virginia Shops

We’re a community of runners, hikers, bikers and ballplayers. We’re an outdoor playground, designed by Mother Nature, with class III and IV rapids running right through our downtown. A 52-mile bike trail runs along the James. The Richmond Marathon and Ukrop’s 10k are huge celebrations, and the whole region comes out to cheer on our local teams. In fact, we’re so sports-minded that the Washington Redskins have their training camp right in the center of the city. Add to that awesome hotels, beautiful venues, attractions, art, craft beer, more than 900 restaurants and a convenient location, and you’ve got a top choice for your next sports event. Welcome to RVA!

From indoor to outdoor facilities, the Richmond region has the fields, pitches, diamonds, venues and the dedicated staff to ensure your event is a huge success. 



Sports Richmond, VA

Commemorate #VA250 in Richmond with the Valentine! Explore Richmond’s early history on this walking tour of the Valentine Museum’s Court End Neighborhood. Visit remarkable landmarks in the heart of Downtown Richmond, including the White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church, Capitol Square, and the John Marshall House. Plus, make a day of it with free admission to the Valentine Museum!  
  
Advanced tickets are required. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for members, and free for children. Tickets are non-refundable.  
Valentine walking tours are typically between 1-2 miles in length. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.  
Accessibility: People of all abilities are encouraged to join us. If we can do anything to accommodate your needs, please let us know in advance by emailing tours@thevalentine.org.  
Tours are held rain or shine. However, in extreme weather, a tour may be cancelled. Notifications about tour status and cancellation will be sent to registrants via email. You can also call 804-649-0711 x 301 to verify a tour will take place.  
The Valentine’s walking tours are supported in part through a generous partnership with Richmond Region Tourism.

Richmond and the Republic: Court End Walking Tour

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