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
Hidden History
Richmond’s history was built on the backs of the enslaved population. But their sacrifices, contributions and daily life were often swept into the currents of the James River.
In this episode of History Reinvented we’re looking back at the contributions they made to both the island, the bridge and what they had to endure in their daily lives.
New episodes will try to drop every few weeks 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. Heck, you could even Venmo (Ian-Stewart-82) me a few dollars to buy me some coffee.
Be sure to check out my other podcast, called The Mechanics of Transportation in which I talk to local Richmond and national experts about all things transportation—including topics on cargo bikes, multi-use trails and more. And, if you like music, check out Ian’s World O’ Music show on Mixcloud. For 17 years, I had a world music show on a local public radio station, where I also happened to report on transportation topics.
History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
*Cover photo: Slave Sale, Richmond, Virginia, 1861. The Illustrated London News (Feb. 16, 1861), p. 138. Found on Slavery Images.org.
History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: Ian07stewart@gmail.com. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
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