Entertainment
Information about entertainment in Richmond, VA during the Civil War.

Written Accounts

1868-06-27, Southern Opinion; excellent article describing the beer gardens in town, with lengthy description of the “Hermitage Trotting Park,” formerly Camp Lee. Describes the current conditions and compares them with the wartime usages.
1874-10-06, Richmond Dispatch; barbecue and public speaking at Cold Harbor – Governor Walker among others to speak
1880-07-12, Richmond Dispatch; description of a trip of St. John’s Sunday school to the ironclad fleet anchored at Lower Brandon
1881-12-10, Philadelphia Weekly Times; excellent article by Frank Moran entitled “Libby’s Bright Side:” illustrates the humorous and lighter aspects of life in Libby Prison. Mentions the “Libby Prison Minstrels” and the Libby Prison Chronicle
1885-07-30, Richmond Dispatch; detailed description of the Steamer Gem’s excursions to Drewry’s Bluff, Dutch Gap, and the U. S. Monitor fleet. Notes that Drewry’s Bluff “pic-nic grounds” are only accessible through this steamer’s excursions.
1885-08-01, Richmond Dispatch; Steamer Gem’s schedule – notes regularly going to the “Drewry’s Bluff Pic-Nic Grounds” and the United States monitor fleet, which excursionists are invited on board.
1885-08-02, Richmond Dispatch; schedule for excursion boat going to “Drewry’s Bluff pic-nic grounds” and “United States monitor fleet,” Dutch Gap and City Point.
1885-08-14, Richmond Dispatch; details on the steamer Gem which makes daily excursions to Drewry’s Bluff.
1885-09-05, Richmond Dispatch; ad for the exclusive excursion boat to Drewry’s Bluff – nice description of the attractions.
1885-09-09, Richmond Dispatch; Steamer Gem advertises for the last excursions to Drewry’s Bluff for the season

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