From historic warehouses turned apartments and the 17th Street Market to the Richmond African Burial Ground and Main Street Station, there's something for everyone to explore in Shockoe Bottom.
Havana '59
Where is Shockoe Bottom in Richmond, VA?
Downtown Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom neighborhood is located in the north-eastern portion of downtown bordered between 16th Street on the west, E. Broad Street to the north, Pear Street to the east and Dock Street to the south.
History of Shockoe Bottom in Downtown Richmond
One of Richmond’s oldest neighborhoods, Shockoe Bottom, derives from the former Shockoe Creek, an homage to the Powhatan/Algonquian phrase “Shacahocan.” Shockoe Bottom’s story is an integral part of United States history. It’s where George Washington envisioned a national system of transportation canals and Thomas Jefferson signed the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. It’s also where Abraham Lincoln arrived by canoe to see the fall of the Confederacy, and where enslaved Africans, once sold “down river,” gained their freedom through Emancipation.
Once the commercial center of downtown given its proximity to the river and canals, Shockoe Bottom remains a vibrant, growing neighborhood that has seen a resurgence of small businesses, restaurants, new residents and investment in telling the complicated story of Shockoe.
From the lively Richmond Night Market at 17th Street Market to scenic rides along the Virginia Capital Trail, Shockoe Bottom is full of things to do in downtown RVA. The neighborhood also carries powerful historical significance, with the Richmond Slave Trail and Shockoe Bottom Burial Ground serving as places of reflection and remembrance, honoring the resilience of enslaved African Americans. Today, Shockoe Bottom blends history with modern life, offering a vibrant mix of culture, recreation, and community.
Known for its historic warehouses converted into loft-style apartments along Tobacco Row, Shockoe Bottom offers some of the most unique living spaces in Richmond. Residents enjoy direct access to the James River and a walkable neighborhood filled with shops, restaurants, and services. From running errands and grabbing groceries to dining at local favorites, indulging your sweet tooth, or ending the evening at a speakeasy, Shockoe Bottom makes it easy to live, work, and play in the heart of downtown Richmond.
