The capital of Virginia, Richmond is steeped in a history that spans nearly 400 years, dating back to 1607 when Jamestown colonists identified the site. During the Revolutionary War era, it was the locale of several important conventions at which such notables as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry sounded the call for freedom and determined the course of a fledgling nation. Later, Richmond proudly served as the capital of the Confederate States of America.
Nowadays, Richmond and its booming metropolitan area (which also encompasses the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico) are regarded as a prime example of the ideal "New South" community—one that successfully blends its heritage with modern social and industrial development. The city's strategic location in the middle of the eastern seaboard puts it within 500 miles of nearly half the entire population of the United States and only 100 miles from the nation's capital. Combining this asset with a mild climate, gently rolling terrain, and a wealth of cultural and recreational attractions has made Richmond another Sun Belt city on the move, and all indications point to a promising future.