Oregon Hill is a historically white working class neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia. Oregon Hill overlooks the James River and Belle Isle, and provides access to Hollywood Cemetery.

History

Oregon Hill was established during the industrial expansion during Reconstruction following the Civil War. Oregon Hill was populated by the workers from the Tredegar Iron Works and Albemarle Paper Company .

Oregon Hill Today

Oregon Hill is located only a few blocks south of Virginia Commonwealth University, with generally low-rent dwellings, making it a popular place for students to rent houses or apartments. Recently, there has been much developement on the edges of Oregon Hill. Many old buildings were torn down and replaced with townhouses, and a formerly empty field overlooking the river being is the site of a new housing project. Due to the major developement, and the accompanying rise in property taxes, many families who have lived in Oregon Hill for generations are being forced to sell their homes.

Mamma Zu Italian restaurant is located in Oregon Hill [1].

Oregon Hill in Popular Culture

In 1992, the country/rock band Cowboy Junkies released a song titled Oregon Hill, which features a description of the neighborhood.

External link

• http://www.oregonhill.org