Maymont

Maymont is a 100-acre (0.156 m²) Victorian estate and public park in Richmond, Virginia. It contains Maymont Mansion, now a historic house museum, an arboretum, formal gardens, a carriage collection, native wildlife exhibits, a nature center, and Children's Farm.

In 1893, Major James H. Dooley, a wealthy Richmond lawyer and philanthropist, and his wife, Sallie, completed their elaborate Gilded Age estate on a site high above the James River. According to their wishes, after their deaths Maymont was left to the people of Richmond. Over the next 75 years, additional attractions were added.

History

Maymont was named for Major Dooley's wife, Sallie May. Construction began in 1890, with the mansion completed in 1893.

The Dooleys also built a summer home on Afton Mountain, Swannanoa, which was completed in 1913.

In 2011, Maymont was named one of the top 10 public spaces by the American Planning Association.

Gardens

The Japanese Garden at Maymont is well tended and features a koi pond and a large waterfall. The Japanese Garden also has a torii arch, rock gardens, and various red maples. The Italian Garden features a pergola, fountains, urns and roses.