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.
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History Reinvented: The Stairs to Nowhere
Special Update - Cemetery Mystery
So, it’s been awhile since season two of History Reinvented, Pine Camp, the stairs to nowhere wrapped up. But as luck would have it, I’ve got a few bonus episodes coming up.
It all started because of listener Andrew Phinney. He grew up all over RVA and he’s a history buff too. He got in touch with me about another story related to Pine Camp, specifically the cemetery near where some of the new bike trails are.
Now comes the time for me to think about Season three. But I need your help…I’m debating a couple of areas to dive into the history and future of. Those include Brown’s Island and Belle Isle which have a rich and troubled history with the city but are turning into a special space for the city; And it includes the Nickel Bridge, which just celebrated its centennial—that could be lumped in with some transportation history as well, such as the rail cars that once moved Richmonders.
What are your thoughts? What would you like to hear about? You can let me know in a few different ways—either on my Buzzsprout fan page; or in the comments wherever you listen or via my email, which is in the show notes.
And here’s where else I need your help…I do these on my own, I’ve got no sponsors or corporate backers–if you are interested in sponsoring the next season, let me know.
Or if you want to help, I’ve created a new Buy me Coffee link that allows you to help support my efforts as a freelance reporter and podcaster. https://buymeacoffee.com/ian_stewart
Or you can Venmo me a few dollars at Ian-Stewart-82 to buy me some coffee or gas.
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History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: Ian07stewart@gmail.com. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
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