Situated in the eastern part of the state, Richmond is the fourth biggest city in Virginia. It covers an area of 62.5 square miles in total and has an estimated population of 227,000, with over 1.2 million living in the surrounding Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Richmond has been an independent city since 1871 and was named after a suburb of London, England. Situated on the James River, Richmond is nicknamed 'River City' and is seen as one of the best spots in the state for rafting, kayaking, and other water-based activities. Other key attractions in and around Richmond include multiple theme parks and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.