The subject: The 2100 block of East Grace Street. It doesn't have an official name; most call it the "Church Hill Overlook" or "Grace Street Overlook.”
The photo: Taken in 1865 and printed between 1880-1889, it was a gift to the Library of Congress by the estate of Colonel Godwin Ordway in 1948.
Photos of the subject on Yesterdays: 30
What first caught your eye about it? It's a spot that everyone knows well—how many people have had their engagement photos done there? The overlook has been relatively unchanged since before the Civil War, giving us a great string of photographs through time.
What were you most surprised about when comparing the archival photos to the subject in the present day? It's interesting how residential Shockoe Bottom used to be before its tobacco-led industrialization.
More archival photos of the subject from back then:
The subject in the present day:
The view in 2024. | Dave Infante
🤝 Help fund The Lookout!
Your subscription defrays the cost of original journalism about our neighborhood. Support independent local media by becoming a paid subscriber today:
The Lookout’s regular coverage will always be free to read for all, because that’s how a neighborhood newsletter should be. But if you’re able to afford it, I hope you’ll consider contributing to its operating budget by upgrading today. If you’re owner/wealthy individual looking to make larger contribution, please get in touch at [email protected].—Dave.
This has been The Lookout Lookback, a monthly feature showcasing historic photos snapped here in the East End. Check out Yesterdays and start georeferencing today. And if you have photos you’d like to share with the Yesterdays team for archival consideration (whether of the East End, or any other part of Richmond) fill out this form and they’ll be in touch!
