History Reinvented: The Stairs to Nowhere
In this new season of History Reinvented we’ll uncover stories of Pine Camp.
In the late 19th century, the 160 acres along the northern border of the city of Richmond was known as the City Farm or City Jail Farm. Later on, Richmonders who were battling contagious diseases, including smallpox and tuberculosis, were isolated on the property.
But because this was the post Civil War South and the height of the Jim Crow era, only white patients were treated until eventually a separate house was built for the city’s Black population. When vaccinations were finally able to stem the diseases, the land and buildings began to take on new life. And while the whites only building remained, the Black ward was torn down.
It’s here where mysteries are being uncovered and the history of those patients and the land itself is being rediscovered. And it’s here where the land is taking on a new life which will allow new stories to emerge.
History Reinvented: The Stairs to Nowhere
History Reinvented Trailer
In this two part podcast series, I’ll take you on a trip through the history around Mayo Island and the Mayo Bridge, from its early beginnings to what the future holds for this historic part of the Richmond Landscape.
The first set of podcasts will focus on Mayo Island, followed by the tale of the Mayo Bridge.
New episodes will try to drop each week but, as a freelance reporter, I could surely use some help with you subscribing and supporting this podcast. And if you’re a sponsor who may be interested in helping, then please do reach out.
History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: Ian07stewart@gmail.com. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
Follow me on Blue Sky at Ianstewartcycles.bsky.social; Threads & Instagram at just_ianstewart
