RICHMOND
LOCATION
The Richmond International Airport located in central Virginia services the city of Richmond and the surrounding areas. Eighteen carriers offer 22 direct flights daily. Richmond is also thoroughly connected by rail to all neighboring cities of commerce. Amtrak provides four major routes; Acela Regional, Carolinian Piedmont, Silver Service and the Twilight Shoreliner that service the coast between Florida and Massachusetts. Interstate 95 runs north and south through Richmond crossing Interstate 64, which intercepts the city in east and west directions. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel links the Richmond metropolitan area to the Eastern Seaboard. . Richmond is within easy travel distance of many major cities. Baltimore is 131 miles, New York 290 miles, Philadelphia 212 and Washington D.C. a mere 98 miles.
BRIEF HISTORY
Originally inhabited by the Powhatan Indians, Richmond was "discovered" by Captain Christopher Newport who led an expedition of English explorers in 1607. The construction of Fort Charles in 1644 galvanized the region and Richmond became a busy town of trade and commerce. In 1706 Colonel William Byrd envisioned a prosperous center of culture and trade and began initiating plans to build and develop the area's natural resources. Named after a suburb of London, in 1782 Richmond was officially incorporated and became the State Capital of Virginia. Today, with a population of over 200,000 citizens, Richmond has grown into a thriving center of business and commerce. Ranked as number 5 in the list of the best places to live and work in America by the by Best Jobs USA, Richmond combines history, politics and culture with a strong economy and a high standard of living.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS
The capital city of Richmond has long been a stage on which many key scenes in American history have been enacted. Members of the community proudly preserve the memories and stories of political events that greatly influenced the growth of America. As the Capital of the Confederacy from 1861-1865, Richmond focuses much of their preservation efforts around landmarks and buildings related to the Civil War. As a result Richmond abounds with historical monuments, gracious buildings and war memorials that detail its past. One of the most notable Civil War landmarks is The Hollywood Cemetery a point of pilgrimage for Civil War buffs. The final resting place of former presidents John Tyler and James Monroe, the Hollywood Cemetery is a beautifully landscaped point of solitude situated among an abundance of holly trees. Always appreciative of its past, Richmond supports several museums that focus upon different aspects of the Civil War and the general history of the area. The Museum of the Confederacy has an extensive collection of Confederate artifacts. The Valentine Museum carries a comprehensive collection of authors, artists and political figures that shed light on life in Richmond during the 17th and 18th centuries. Agecroft Hall is a majestic example of Tudor architecture originally built in Lancashire England then reassembled in Virginia in 1920. Richmond is a city with many diverse sights and attractions. A simple stroll through the Historic Downtown district where some of the oldest buildings still stand will transport visitors to a controversial period of history when the future of a nation was held in the balance. .
ABOUT EDUCATION
The Richmond School District is committed to providing high quality education in a challenging, yet supportive environment that both acknowledges and celebrates the unique cultural characteristics of each individual student. The community of Richmond plays an integral part in the helping to meet the unique challenges that face today's children by acknowledging the role of education in a dynamic and productive community. Richmond is passionate in an ever-growing attempt to cultivate students who will make education a life long goal and who will grow in their desire to understand themselves and affect the world in which they live.
ABOUT HEALTHCARE
Superior health care is of prime importance to the city of Richmond and residents benefit from the wealth of dedicated and specialized health care practitioners that work in the region. Home to several distinguished and noteworthy medical centers, the city of Richmond attracts those committed to making a difference in the world of health care. Bon Secours Memorial Regional and Capitol Medical Center are just two examples of the many nationally acclaimed medical facilities in the area. Bon Secours is an award winning hospital that offers comprehensive health care to the residents of Richmond. The hospital provides employment for over 5000 residents in the Richmond area and as been recognized as an employer of choice by Working Mother Magazine for the past four years. Bon Secours recognizes and acts upon an obligation to the community. As a result it is committed to numerous outreach health programs and services.
GLEN ALLEN
Glen Allen embodies all the charm and familiarity of a small town. With a population of over 13,000 and a land area of 8.8 square miles, residents of Glen Allen enjoy the amenities and safety of a contained intimate community.
Glen Allen is within close proximity of several major cities. Richmond, Virginia's Capital is 9 miles on the Interstate 95. Washington D.C. is 92 miles and Philadelphia is 228 miles. Laurel, Virginia is Glen Allen's closest neighbor and a mere 2 miles away. Located in Henrico County, Glen Allen is also accessed by Highway 195. Richmond International Airport which is17 miles away services air travel for the area.
There are eight elementary schools and one high school in town. All schools are professionally accredited, academically sound and characterized by excellent student-teacher ratios. The community values and supports quality education and works hard to integrate students into community activities that benefits both the students and the area in which they live. Glen Allen is also home to the Strayer University a small, private college with less than 300 full time students.
Glen Allen is within easy access to quality medical practitioners and state of the art health care facilities. Charter Westbrook Behavior Health Center and Healthsouth Medical Center are just two of the many exemplary health care centers located in Richmond a short drive away.
Unemployment is very low in Glen Allen. The major sources of employment are in the areas of finance, insurance, and real estate, education, health care, and retail trade.
Although Glen Allen is small it possesses many wonderful forms of recreational and cultural enjoyment. The Cultural Arts Center is a non-profit organization committed to inspiring an interest, knowledge and passion for the arts to the residents of Glen Allen. By offering free family entertainment, gallery exhibits, live concerts and art classes, the Cultural Center creates an artistic touch stone to allow both children and adults alike explore new artistic venues. A gem for any size town, Glen Allen is especially fortunate to possess a center that feeds the artistic spirit in every individual.
ASHLAND
LOCATION
Ashland Virginia's central state location has won it the affectionate title "Center of the Universe" by residents and locals who appreciate the benefits of easy access to other big cities. Boston, New York, Detroit and Atlanta are all within a day's drive. Interstates 64, 95, 85 and highway 298 are the main arteries near Ashland and Route 54 leads directly into town. Situated in the heart of Hanover County, Ashland is less than a ninety minutes drive to the nation's Capital and a fifteen-minute drive to downtown Richmond. Sixty percent of the population of the United States is within 750 miles of Ashland. Air travel to Ashland is serviced by Richmond International Airport and Amtrak offers several commuter lines that connect the small town of Ashland with major centers of commerce
BRIEF HISTORY
Ashland Virginia has an allure all its own. Rated one of the nation's most vibrant and progressive cities by Rand-McNally Ashland embodies hometown charm that inspires pride in its residents and envy from those that visit. Interest in the area originated from the discovery of natural mineral hot springs that incited those in the 1840's to seek therapeutic relief offered by the warm soothing waters. In 1858 Ashland became more than a railroad resort and was officially incorporated. Steeped in political history, Ashland's courthouse was the location for Patrick Henry's famous "give me liberty or give me death" speech. Named after the estate of prominent citizen Henry Clay, Ashland found further fortune with the relocation of the Randolph Macon College in 1868. Today Ashland's over 6,000 residents enjoy the energy and vitality inherent in the lifestyle created by a small college town. The small town way of living is reinforced by a safe environment, strong economy and peaceful surroundings. Citizens value the town's link with the past through careful preservation of the historic district, quaint neighborhoods and the charm of abundant Victorian architecture.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS
Ashland is situated within the beautiful countryside yet it is also close to urban amenities. A short drive to Richmond allows locals to partake of world-class dining, professional companies in music dance and theater and first rate museums and galleries. The Richmond Symphony and the Richmond Ballet both offer an outstanding repertory of company productions in addition to world famous guest performers. The Children's Museum of Richmond is an exciting opportunity for the entire family to find fun in learning. Ashland is also in close proximity to many historical landmarks. Colonial Williamsburg is within an hour's drive. Virginia Beach, a popular family summer vacation destination is a two-hour jaunt. For outdoor recreation Pocahontas State Park provides boating, swimming and hiking among the beauty of the Virginia forest.
ABOUT EDUCATION
Hanover County Public School system exemplifies the standards of commitment, dedication and perseverance. Year after year Hanover schools reach the educational platform that distinguishes a fully accredited learning institute. Hanover leads the student average for SAT testing scores in the metropolitan Richmond area. Moreover, the International Baccalaureate exam scores exceed the international average further highlighting the Hanover district's commitment to excellence. Dedicated to the success of each individual student, Hanover teachers are determined to intensify a curriculum that addresses and supports the unique requirements of each child. Hanover district can take pride in achieving one of the lowest dropout rates for students in the state of Virginia. In addition, Hanover student's performance rates in the top five percent of all students in the state.
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