Bryan Park

Bryan Park (c. 1930)

Bryan Park (2017)

Site Name: Historically Rosewood, currently Bryan Park

Date of Construction: Owned in 1700s as 600 acre property, turned into a farm during the early 1800s, and later officially named a park in 2002

Reason for Construction: The park was then described as intending to be "a free park for the use and benefit of all its citizens".

Site History: The park found within Richmond Virginia is known for its athletic fields, tennis courts, and picnic shelters. It was put on the National Register of Historic Places in October, 2002 after being privately owned since the 1700s. 

Area History:

What about the site has changed? This site was owned in 1700s as part of 600 acre property by William Young and later passed down to his children, John and Rosina. Rosina and her husband built a farm on the property and named it Rosewood. Many Confederate camps and batteries were placed in this area during the Civil War. The family continued to live on the property until Rosina’s death in 1906. Around this time, men by the names of Lewis Ginter and Joseph Bryan were developing “streetcar suburbs” on Northside served by electric trolley. Bryan, the author of the Richmond Times had built his “Laburnum Estate” by the time of his death. Following his death, his widow bought Rosewood at a public auction and donated it to the city under his honor, changing the name to Joseph Bryan Park. The Richmond City Council then transformed the farm into a park. The park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in October, 2002.

What about the surrounding area has changed? The area, once open farm and rural land, transformed into the "streetcar suburbs" of Northside during the 19th century. Developed primarily by Lewis Ginter and Joseph Bryan, these areas were now served by electric trolley.

Reflection: From learning about this park, I further understand the history of the area I live. The park where I used to practice soccer and sled during the winter wasn’t always a park. The area is important in the history of the Civil War. Its development and development of the area around it also holds significance in the creation of streetcar suburbs and cities in United States history.

Author: Natalie Hale

Sources:

Bryan Park Entrance. Richmond.

" Bryan Park." Richmond Outside. Accessed February 16, 2017. http://www.richmondoutside.com/destination/bryan-park/.

"Bryan Park." Richmondgov.com. Accessed March 10, 2017. http://www.richmondgov.com/parks/parkBryan.aspx.