In downtown Richmond, you’ll find the stunning Richmond Bolling Haxall House, which is simply known as Haxall House. It stands proud in the city with its grand, Italian villa-style architecture which was popular in the 19th century when the house was built (1858). As a venue, it hosts an impressive roster of events, including Candlelight concerts where talented musicians pay tribute to modern and classic must by flickering candlelight.
This impressive building sits on East Franklin Street and its central location is reflective of the role it has played in the city’s development. It was built as the private residence of the Haxall family who ran one of the largest mills in the state at that time. Surrounded by other important buildings like the Virginia State Capitol and The Woman’s Club, it’s very easy to get to. You can take the bus and hop off right outside Haxall House.
Facts, Curiosities, and Interesting Things about Haxall House
1. A symbol of Richmond’s economic development
Built in 1858 to house the Haxall family, the house was named after the owner, Bolling Walker Haxall. It’s impossible to overestimate how prominent a figure this man was in 19th-century Richmond. He was heavily involved in banking and the family owned some of the biggest mils in the state. These are just two of the industries that really formed the city of Richmond.
2. An incredibly important political hub
It follows that as a figure of high social and economic standing in the city, Haxall was also involved in politics, and as a bloody Civil War raged in the country, Haxall House became a hub for Confederates to gather. For a long time, Richmond served as the Capitol of the Confederate States. So, the meetings and gatherings that happened within the walls of Haxall House would go on to shape the country, for better or worse.
3. Impressive Italian Villa style architecture
Haxall House is an impressive structure to behold. Styled like an old Italian villa, this place boasts towering columns, a perfectly symmetrical facade, and a sandstone-colored stucco giving it a truly iconic aesthetic. When The Woman’s Club bought the building in 1900 they also added an auditorium, with high ceilings decked with ornately carved wooden panels.
Candlelight Concerts at Haxall House
This gorgeous spot makes for the perfect venue for soul-stirring Candlelight concerts. As candles flicker and illuminate the stunning architecture, talented performers pay tribute to modern bands, classical compositions, and much more. An unmissable atmosphere is created at each of these magical concerts.
What else can you do at Haxall House?
There’s plenty to do! It’s home to The Woman’s Club, which gathers to hear lectures, performances, and much more in the auditorium and has been doing so since a time when women weren’t allowed to be educated. You can also take guided tours of the house, see the architecture and hear about its historical significance in the city. There are also weddings at the house, owing to its splendor and the area itself is home to other historical sites like The American Civil War Museum, Gamble’s Hill Park, and Hollywood Cemetery.
Richmond is known for its rich cultural heritage and here you’ll find beautiful buildings like the Science Museum of Virginia, where you can also see Candlelight concerts. There is no more memorable way to see these gorgeous buildings than by candlelight as tributes to popular bands and composers ring out, creating an atmosphere that is unmatched.