Famous Citizens Throughout the Richmond Region’s History

From Founding Fathers to football stars, the Historic Richmond Region has seen its share of famous folks. Here’s a sampling of some you might recognize:

Historical Figures

• Thomas Jefferson designed the Virginia Capitol.
• John Marshall was the longest serving Chief Justice in Supreme Court history.
• Patrick Henry delivered his “give me liberty or give me death” speech at St. John’s Church and lived at Scotchtown.
• Pocahontas lived at what is known today as Henricus Historical Park.
• Maggie L. Walker was the first African-American female founder and president of a bank.
• Oliver Hill was a primary attorney in the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education civil rights case.
• L. Douglas Wilder was the first African American governor in the U.S.

Authors

• Edgar Allan Poe grew up in Richmond.
• Douglas Southall Freeman, Pulitzer Prize winner, lived in Richmond.
• Tom Wolfe, best-selling American author and journalist, was born and raised here.
• Patricia Cornwell, a former resident, uses the Richmond Region as the setting for many of her novels.
• David Baldacci, a best-selling novelist, was born and raised in Richmond.

Athletes

• Arthur Ashe Jr., Wimbledon Champion and philanthropist, grew up here and learned to play tennis on Richmond’s public tennis courts.
• Lanny Wadkins, golfer, lived in Richmond.
• Ralph Sampson, former player for NBA’s Houston Rockets, lived here.
• Shawn Barber, NFL player, attended high school and college in the Richmond Region.
• Willie Lanier, NFL Hall of Famer, lives here.

Celebrities

• Jimmy Dean, the sausage king, lives in the Richmond Region.
• Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, born and discovered in Richmond, invented a new way to tap dance.
• Shirley MacLaine, actress, lived here.
• Carbon Leaf, a five-piece band playing Celtic roots rock, is based here.
• D’Angelo, R&B singer, lives here.
• Matt Lauer, co-host of NBC’s Today Show, was once a local talk show host.
• Elliot Yamin, American Idol finalist, grew up in Richmond.

Learn About Our Storied History

Fall in love with the Richmond Region’s fun, exciting museums and attractions. Learn about the larger-than-life people who have made this area great. Start planning your trip now!