Richmond History Tour: From Tobacco Town to Civil Rights

Embark on a captivating 2-hour walking tour of Richmond Downtown and uncover the city’s fascinating history, from its humble beginnings as a tobacco town to its pivotal role in the Revolution, Civil War, and Civil Rights movement. Gain a comprehensive understanding of Richmond and discover the must-see attractions for your next visit to RVA.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Jackson Ward - We begin in historic Jackson Ward known as The Harlem of the South and the Black Wall Street of the SOuth
What's Included
  • Safe distancing with provided headsets
Additional Information

Embark on a captivating 100-minute walking tour that traces Richmond’s transformation from a modest tobacco town to the capital of the Commonwealth. Discover Richmond’s significant involvement in the Civil War and its pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement. Every participant will gain a thorough understanding of the city, along with recommendations on what to explore and experience next in RVA.

Location
403 N 3rd St
North 3rd Street
We meet at the turn-in on N 3rd Street between Marshall and Clay Streets
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(160 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Bodinamy
Apr 26, 2025
A Definite Must Do! - This tour is a definite must when visiting Richmond. We especially liked our guide, Kathy . She was not only knowledgeable but enthusiastically shared her love for Richmond's culture. She went above and beyond to enrich our experience. We learned much about our country's history and how we've grown through the good and bad.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anuj_m
Apr 26, 2025
Richmond tour - The tour was very good. Emily was our tour guide and a Richmond native. She was extremely knowledgeable and personable. She added a personal touch to the tour that was great. Would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Dougbm1068dj
Apr 19, 2025
Great tour of historic city - Great tour guide kathy, interesting info about old neighborhoods and buildings, and especially bc she is richmond native so could give personal stories about the city
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A3916yvjohns
Apr 11, 2025
Great Tour Guide! - Our tour guide, Kathy, did a wonderful job! She was a local who knew the local history and had done her homework. The headsets were a great idea, so that you could hear the guide talk above the traffic. Well worth the price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Valerie_m
Apr 5, 2025
Very informative - It was a great experience and Doug was a very knowledgeable guide. We would recommend this to anyone.
Review provided by Viator
Allenj543
Apr 1, 2025
Private walking tour March 31st - My wife and I took a private walking tour tour with Ray. He is extremely knowledgeable and personable. We learned about Richmond’s rich history and gained an appreciation for its architecture. He welcomed any and all questions. We highly recommend Richmond Tour Guides!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H8011npevelyns
Feb 17, 2025
The tour that wasn't supposed to happen, but delighted us - Our tour in February was an anomaly. Richmond Tour Guys does not operate tours during the winter. But a glitch in the website allowed me to book a tour. Rather than canceling on us, the owner, Ray, gave us the tour himself. Ray has decades of tour-giving experience in multiple places and capacities. His experience shone in the stories he told, the vast information he conveyed in those stories, the passion he has for Richmond, and his knowledge not only of Richmond's history but of the current happenings as well. Ray generously offered recommendations and answered all our questions. We could tell Ray has high standards for the tours under the Richmond Guys brand and we would happily take another, knowing we'd have a wonderful experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Charlene_b
Dec 5, 2024
Richmond: Rich in so much history - We learned so much on this tour! Our tour guide Ray, was very informative and well versed in the history of Richmond. Definitely enjoyed our time. The time was well worth it and would highly recommend to others.
Review provided by Viator
Shea_h
Nov 18, 2024
Great Time - Erin was a great guide, very knowledgeable about the city. We enjoyed the tour and learned a lot about the city. Would very much recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Katya_d
Nov 18, 2024
History of Richmond, Virginia. - Daug was very good and knowledgeable about the history of Richmond., I truly enjoyed it the tour. Doing the tour in the fall it’s a beautiful and a easy walk since is cooler.
Review provided by Viator
From $38
up to 14 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).