Major
Lewis Ginter (April 24, 1824 – October 1, 1897) was a prominent businessman, military officer, real estate developer, and philanthropist centered in
Richmond,
Virginia. A native of
New York City, Ginter accumulated a considerable fortune throughout his numerous business ventures and became Richmond’s wealthiest citizen despite his exceptionally modest demeanor. While the
Jefferson Hotel,
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and
Ginter Park embody some of Ginter’s major urban contributions to
Richmond, many of his philanthropic gifts were given anonymously to charitable organizations and individuals in need. His continued devotion to
Richmond is captured in his famous remark, “I am for Richmond, first and last.”