A Brief History of Maymont Mansion

Blog Introduction: Maymont Mansion is a historic home located in Richmond, Virginia. The house was built in 1893 by James Dooley, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist, and his wife Sallie May Dooley. The couple lived in the home until Mrs. Dooley's death in 1925. Mr. Dooley then donated the house and its surrounding grounds to the city of Richmond with the stipulation that it be used as a public park.

Today, Maymont Mansion is open to the public for tours. The first floor of the house is furnished as it would have been when the Dooleys lived there, while the second floor contains exhibits on the history of the house and the Dooleys themselves. Visitors can also explore the grounds, which include a Japanese garden, a carriage house, and a petting zoo.

The House Itself

Maymont Mansion is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The house is constructed of red brick with limestone trim and features a grand staircase, marble fireplaces, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork throughout.

When the Dooleys originally purchased the property in 1889, there was an existing farmhouse on the land. They had this farmhouse demolished and replaced with the current mansion, which was completed in 1893. The mansion underwent a few renovations over the years but remains largely unchanged from its original design.

The Grounds

In addition to the mansion itself, the Maymont property includes 100 acres of land with gardens, ponds, walking trails, and a petting zoo.

The Japanese Garden is one of the most popular features of Maymont Park. The garden was designed by Japanese landscape architect Seymon Hata in 1911 and includes a koi pond, stone lanterns, bridges, and a variety of plants native to Japan.

The Petting Zoo is another popular attraction at Maymont Park. The zoo is home to sheep, goats, llamas, pigs, peacocks, rabbits, and more. Visitors are welcome to feed and pet the animals during their visit.

Whether you're interested in history or just looking for a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, Maymont Mansion is definitely worth a visit! Located in Richmond's scenic West End neighborhood, this historic home and its grounds offer something for everyone to enjoy. So take some time out of your busy day to explore Maymont Park—you won't be disappointed!

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