Exchange Hotel (Richmond, Virginia)

The Exchange Hotel, completed in 1841 in Richmond, Virginia was a Gothic revival four-story building designed by Isaiah Rogers. It was very popular before the Civil War.

The Ballard House opened up across the street in 1855. This five-story Italianate faced onto Franklin Street at the corner of Fourteenth Street.^[1] Both establishments were owned by John P. Ballard (1816 - 1878).^[2] They were connected at the second level first by a footbridge made of steel, and some years later enclosed in brick. Their old architecture prevented them from being one of the premiere Richmond hotels at the time.^[3]

U.S. President John Tyler died at the Exchange Hotel in 1862.^[4] His widow, Julia, died there also, 27 years later.^[5]

It was demolished from 1900-1901, shortly after closing thanks to competition from the newer Jefferson Hotel.^[6]