Atchison Village

Historic photo of some of the houses in Atchison Village.

Library of Congress

Atchison Village

Access: Active housing area that can be driven through. There are no tours. Please be mindful of residents, property and laws.
Location: Can be entered through various locations. Driving in from Macdonald Ave onto Curry St. is a typical starting point.

The surge of opportunities in Richmond during World War II led to an immediate and dramatic growth in population. This rapid influx of workers placed an intense strain on the city's infrastructure, particularly in terms of housing. Workers arriving in these rapidly expanding urban centers were often forced to find whatever accommodations they could, frequently resulting in overcrowded and substandard living conditions.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

In response to the urgent need for adequate housing, the government and private industry collaborated to construct planned communities across the nation. These communities were designed to include not only housing but also essential amenities such as schools, fire and police stations, childcare facilities, and recreational areas. Atchison Village was one such community, developed to provide permanent, high-quality housing for the burgeoning workforce.

Atchison Village: A Model of Wartime Housing

Built in 1941 as part of the defense housing program, Atchison Village was intended to provide housing for shipyard workers and their families. The community was designed with a focus on durability and livability, featuring well-constructed homes and a layout that encouraged a strong sense of community among residents.

Community and Cooperative Management

Today, Atchison Village is a unique historical landmark. Unlike many other wartime housing projects that were demolished or fell into disrepair after the war, Atchison Village remains a vibrant community. It is now a collection of privately owned houses, managed cooperatively by the homeowners. This cooperative management model has helped preserve the character and historical integrity of the village while fostering a sense of shared responsibility and community spirit among residents.

Atchison Village is noteworthy not only for its well-preserved architecture but also for its representation of the broader social and economic trends of the WWII era. The development of such communities was a critical component of the war effort, enabling the rapid mobilization and sustained productivity of the workforce. Atchison Village, with its permanent housing and comprehensive amenities, provided a stable and supportive environment that helped workers and their families thrive during a time of intense national effort.

Today's Thriving Richmond Village

While many of the dormitories and temporary housing structures built during WWII have since disappeared, Atchison Village endures as a successful implementation of government and industrial collaboration in addressing urgent social needs. The village's preservation allows current and future generations to explore and understand the living conditions and community life of the WWII home front.

Visitors to Atchison Village can witness firsthand the enduring legacy of wartime housing initiatives and the continued relevance of cooperative living arrangements. The village serves as a living museum, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of communities formed in response to extraordinary circumstances.