Discover Bon Air, VA

There’s more to Bon Air than you know. What might it be?


Let’s begin with the geographic point of view. Bon Air, VA is occupying a total area of 8.36 square miles within Chesterfield County, Virginia. It is a suburb of Richmond. The community has over 16,000 residents.


Ever wonder why the town was named “Bon Air”? It actually means “good air” to reflect its role as an escape place of the wealthy people as they seek for fresh air outside the industrial downtown of Richmond.


Bon Air, VA has a very rich history being designated as a National Historic District. Let us find out then what makes the community and its historical attractions interesting and worthy to be visited:


 


1. Hazen Memorial Library



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Start your first tour by visiting the first ever public library in Chesterfield County -- the Hazen Memorial Library. It was built in 1902 as a memorial to Dr. James K. Hazen who was the minister of the Bon Air Presbyterian Church for 17 years.


 


2. Bon Air Christian Church



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In 1882, the sanctuary of the now Bon Air Christian Church was built by the Bon Air Land and Improvement Company as a non-denominational chapel. In 1884, it became Bon Air Presbyterian Church. And sometime in the 1960s, Bon Air Christian Church purchased the building.



The church has surely been through a lot that’s why it has a story worthy to be told and known.


 


3. Site of Bon Air Hotel and Bon Air Hotel Annex



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The Bon Air Hotel was erected in 1880 but was burned down nine years later. Going to the right, stands the large white three-story building which was the Bon Air Hotel Annex. It was built in 1881 reserved to accommodate more guests. As of today, it’s an apartment building.


 


4. Douthat House



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You are now looking at the once only house in Bon Air with a flat roof and Italianate trim back in the days before it was renovated with a gabled roof. The red Douthat House was built by the great-granddaughter of Chief Justice John Marshall--Mary Douthat.


You should definitely take a look inside the house to learn more how and why it was originally erected.


 


5. Old Bon Air Post Office



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Now, this old post office in Bon Air stands as a witness of time. Isn’t it amazing to know how people get connected during old times? This tiny building is a living evidence because it served as a social center for the residents of Bon air where they pick up mails and gossip daily. Sounds classic right?



As of today, it’s owned by the Bon Air Community Center and privately used.



Learning about history is the most wonderful throwback. Sometimes you really need a breath of the past.


Bon Air is not just for those who are historians or people who have unique interests for history. A travel around the community is perfect as well for travelers who love adventures because going back in time is already an exciting journey--exploring things and events you’ve never been heard of.


 


Our Location from Bon Air VA


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