Attractions and Places To See around Lakeside - Top 20

In fact, this is the "White House" of the Confederate president. Surprisingly small.

The Virginia State Capitol in Richmond has served as the seat of the Virginia General Assembly for over two centuries. Designed by Thomas Jefferson and inspired by classical Roman architecture, it stands on Shockoe Hill overlooking the James River. The building witnessed major events, including Virginia’s declaration of independence and its role as the Confederate capital during the Civil War. Expanded in 1904, it remains a symbol of Virginia’s political legacy and architectural heritage.

In Richmond’s Capitol Square, a striking statue of George Washington rises above the crowd. Cast in bronze, Washington sits tall on horseback, while figures like Jefferson and Patrick Henry stand nearby, honoring Virginia’s role in the Revolution. Beneath them, symbolic female figures reflect ideas like liberty and justice. The monument took decades to finish—its foundation was laid in 1850, but it wasn’t completed until 1869. Jefferson Davis’s second inauguration even took place here during the Civil War.

The White House of the Confederacy, located in Richmond, Virginia, served as the executive mansion for the President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, during the American Civil War. Built in the early 19th century, it was originally a private residence known as the Wickham House. After Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, the Confederate government leased the house and eventually purchased it in 1862. The White House of the Confederacy became the official residence of President Davis and his family until the fall of Richmond in 1865. During this time, it also functioned as the political and social center of the Confederacy. Today, the house is a museum operated by the American Civil War Museum, showcasing artifacts, exhibits, and period rooms that offer insights into the life and times of the Confederate leadership and the Civil War era.

The Robert E. Lee Memorial Bridge takes U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 301 across the James River. It offers great views and includes a separate bicycle lane for safe bike crossing separate from cars.

The T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge is built on a former hydroelectric dam. It links Brown’s Island to the north and Manchester to the south and gives great views of the James River. The bridge is open to walkers, runners and cyclists.

The Tyler Potterfield Bridge is built on the remains of an old hydroelectric dam. It's named for a former city planner and is open to pedestrians and cyclists and is wheelchair accessible.

Designed by Thomas Jefferson, the Capitol is America's oldest elected representative legislature, first organized in 1619. The impressive building was also used for Confederate Congress meetings during the Civil War. Today, you can visit the Capitol on a free guided tour that take place daily. There's also a cafe and lovely grounds.