1730: Virginia House of Burgesses passed the Warehouse Act, which required tobacco cultivation in the areas around the fall-line of the James River (Richmond.gov). This served as a catalyst for Richmond’s population growth as well as the growth of the tobacco industry, which defined the city over the next 250 years. |
1958: The Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike was constructed and eventually became present-day Interstate 95. With the American car infatuation at an all-time high, the Turnpike helped further disperse the population away from the core in a north-south manner. It also played a role in the location of east-west Interstate 64 travelling through the city. |
1971: Virginia General Assembly passes bill that stops Richmond from annexing more land. This was a response to the mandated integration the previous year, as it prevented the city from incorporating the predominately white suburbs. Spatial segregation both racially and economically proceeded well into 1990s. |
1995: The city extends rehabilitation tax breaks from 5 to 15 years in many urban neighborhoods. This policy assisted in bringing a new, wealthier demographic into many of the city’s neighborhoods like Jackson Ward, The Fan, and Church Hill. The rise in property values made it difficult for many long-time residents to remain in their neighborhoods. |