Richmond history and weather are two items up there on my list of very favorite things, so it should come as no surprise that a blurb in the Richmond Times-Dispatch with a picture of damage from an F3 tornado that ripped through Downtown Richmond on June 13, 1951 piqued my interest.
I remember my late grandma telling me a story once of a terrible windstorm or tornado coming through Byrd Park where she lived a long, long time ago, and I figured out this must have been it based on the map of the twister (below) that had it crossing the James River just south of Byrd Park, and then ripping into The Fan and going straight down Cary Street between Meadow Street and turning towards Monroe Park near the VCU campus.
This was an F3 tornado, which by definition packs winds between 158 and 206 miles per hour. In its wake, the tornado injured dozens of people, destroyed 100 homes, and damaged more than 1,000 houses and buildings in Richmond, including ripping the bell tower off Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (seen below), the top of which was never rebuilt.
I don’t know for sure, but there’s a large swath of largely later 20th century construction and empty lots along Cary Street between Meadow and Randolph Streets to this day, while the rest of The Fan and Midtown remains intact. Some areas (especially south of 195) were demolished for the construction of the Downtown Expressway, but it makes me wonder if a lot of the destroyed or heavily damaged homes were just never rebuilt.
Below is an aerial view of the tornado’s destruction, taken facing west, over the Randolph neighborhood. To the upper left, you’ll notice Byrd Park’s Swan and Shields Lakes.
After I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. Is there a way you can remove me from that service? Thank you!
Hey I am so thrilled I found your blog, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Bing for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a marvelous post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the great work.
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?
I delight in, result in I discovered exactly what I was taking a look for.
You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have
a great day. Bye
Have a look at my website :: tracfone special coupon 2022
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This post posted
at this web site is truly nice.
Here is my web page: 2022
Hello trevordickerson.com administrator, Nice post!
Dear trevordickerson.com owner, Your posts are always well-received by the community.
Hello trevordickerson.com owner, Your posts are always well written and informative.
Dear trevordickerson.com owner, You always provide great examples and case studies.
Hello trevordickerson.com admin, Your posts are always well-delivered and engaging.
Hi trevordickerson.com administrator, You always provide useful tips and best practices.
To the trevordickerson.com webmaster, Thanks for the well written post!
To the trevordickerson.com admin, Thanks for the well written post!
Dear trevordickerson.com owner, Thanks for the well-structured and well-presented post!
Hi trevordickerson.com administrator, Thanks for the valuable information!
Hello trevordickerson.com owner, Your posts are always on topic and relevant.
Hi trevordickerson.com administrator, Your posts are always well-cited and reliable.
Dear trevordickerson.com owner, Keep up the good work!
Hi trevordickerson.com owner, Your posts are always well-written and engaging.
Hi trevordickerson.com admin, Your posts are always well-referenced and credible.