RVA NEIGHBORHOODS: BELLE ISLE

With verdant woods, winding trails, and rushing waters, Belle Isle is a little slice of natural landscape in an urban area. It is a must-see Richmond city park located on the James River and easily accessible via a pedestrian bridge off of scenic Tredegar St. Dozens of people can be seen traversing this bridge to reach the island, especially as spring and summer bring warmer weather to Richmond. With 54 acres, Belle Isle has plenty of space for the crowds of people looking to spend a nice day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its many pathways are perfect for running, biking, and hiking enthusiasts. Additionally, for people looking for a more laid-back time, the flat rocks right on the river’s edge allow for relaxed sunning with spectacular views of Hollywood Cemetery, Tredegar Iron Works, and downtown Richmond. ​​

​​EARLY SETTLEMENT

​Long before Belle Isle was a popular afternoon getaway, Native Americans used it for fishing in the James River. However, the sudden arrival of European settlers in the early 17th century largely forced them out of the area. Captain John Smith, the famous English explorer and leader of colonial Jamestown, explored Belle Isle. According to historical record, in 1608, Smith purchased the land from the well-known Chief Powhatan.

​In 1676, William Byrd I acquired Belle Isle. His son, William Byrd II, later became the founder of Richmond and an active figure in Virginia politics. Byrd II left his mark on Belle Isle by giving it its first name - “Broad Rock” Island - after its distinctive large rocks. Byrd’s moniker quickly caught on and thus the original name of the island was born. After Byrd, ownership of parts of the island exchanged hands multiple times. At one point, it functioned as a lottery prize and was won by the likes of Bushrod Washington, the nephew of George Washington, and Henry Lee, the father of Robert E. Lee.

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An industrial island

By the turn of the nineteenth century, the First Industrial Revolution had been underway for more than a decade in the United States. Changes in manufacturing, transportation, and communication were sweeping through the nation and dramatically altering the lives of many Americans. Although industry was more concentrated in northern cities, Richmond certainly held its own as factories rapidly sprang up in the area.

Old Dominion Iron Structure

 Belle Isle Manufactury Ruins

Over the years, Belle Isle became an industrial complex, hosting several factories within its rocky shores. In 1814, the Old Dominion Iron and Nail Company started the island’s first factory to produce nails. In the 1840s, the Belle Isle Manufacturing Company set up shop and constructed mills to make iron products. The growth of this industrial powerhouse brought about Belle Isle’s second and current name. Out with “Broad Rock” and in with “Belle Isle!”

Throughout this time period, workers also spent long hours quarrying granite from the island. Moreover, as if nails, iron, and granite were not quite enough, the Virginia Electric Power Company also had a hydroelectric power plant on the island that ran from 1904 to 1967. Theirs was soon joined by the Virginia Railway and Power Company’s hydroelectric plant in 1905, which was set up to meet the demands of Richmond’s growing electric streetcar system.

INTERLUDE: AN INFAMOUS PRISON CAMP

Amidst Belle Isle’s decades of industrial development, there was a brief and tragic interlude during the Civil War when it served as a Confederate prison camp. By 1862, Richmond was overflowing with Union prisoners, and Confederate officials were faced with the pressing dilemma of where to hold them.

They eventually settled on the newly-named Belle Isle, reasoning that the rushing rapids around the island would discourage escape attempts. They promptly bought the island from Old Dominion Iron and Nail Company. It was designated as a temporary holding place for 3,000 prisoners, most of whom were lower-ranking (officers were generally held in Libby Prison in the city). The prison was periodically emptied through prisoner exchanges then refilled after major battles, and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 POWs passed through it over its two years of operation.

The island was often over-filled with prisoners, and thousands died as a result, in large part because proper shelters were never built. For example, prisoners fell prey to exposure during the cold Richmond winters or to disease and hunger. There was even a short battle, the Battle of Walkerton, that involved an attempt to free the Union soldiers from the harsh conditions on Belle Isle. It failed, and the prisoners were left to their unfortunate fates. By 1864, the prison closed, and its inmates were transported farther South to other prisons. The island was returned to Old Dominion Iron and Nail Works before being sold to the Virginia Power Company in 1900. Business returned to normal.

A PARK IN THE MAKING

Throughout the mid-twentieth century, Belle Isle remained a home to factories, before gradually de-industrializing as Richmond’s economy became less focused on manufacturing. Belle Isle officially became a park in 1973. Its beautification and clean up were largely due to the James River Discovery Program, an effort by Richmond Renaissance, a local group known today as Venture Richmond. They also sponsored the construction of the swaying pedestrian bridge below the Robert E. Lee Bridge that provides easier access to the island. At 1,040 feet long and $2.3 million in building costs, the bridge was a substantial project that made Belle Isle an integral part of of the James River Park System. ​

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Even as one of the most popular parks in the city, remnants of Belle Isle’s past are spread throughout the island. The National Register of Historic Places listed Belle Isle as a historic site in 1995, a reflection of its enduring value to Richmond’s story. Visitors can see the ruins of the nail factory in the eastern section of the island, as well as the remains of a hydroelectric plant and an old storehouse for explosive materials and oil on the south side.

When it comes to Richmond spots, Belle Isle is a a great choice - from those looking for a quiet afternoon to enjoy nature to those looking for a day of historical adventure.

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