Explore the real-world places that appear in Identity Unknown by Patricia Cornwell. Each location on the map shows what happens there in the novel, the real history of the place, and what's there today. Featured locations include Abandoned Theme Park Site, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Virginia Commonwealth University, FBI Richmond Field Office, Richmond International Airport and 7 more.
Hanover County — Sal Giordano's murder scene
Dr. Kay Scarpetta is summoned to this eerie, abandoned theme park to retrieve a body that turns out to be Sal Giordano, the acclaimed astrophysicist she once loved. The murder scene is bizarre and disturbing, with a deliberate crop circle of flower petals arranged around Giordano's body. Scarpetta's niece Lucy theorizes that Giordano was dropped from an unidentified flying craft, adding an otherworldly element to the investigation.
Hanover County has been home to several defunct amusement parks over the decades, including smaller family-owned operations that closed due to economic pressures. The area's rural setting made it attractive for such entertainment ventures in the mid-20th century.
The county remains largely rural with scattered developments and abandoned commercial properties. Many former amusement sites have been reclaimed by nature or converted to other uses.
400 E Jackson St — Scarpetta's forensic headquarters
Dr. Kay Scarpetta conducts the crucial autopsy of Sal Giordano at her state-of-the-art forensic facility. During the examination, she makes the shocking discovery that Giordano seems to have deliberately left her a clue about his murder. The autopsy becomes a pivotal moment as Scarpetta uses her forensic expertise to uncover the truth behind what appears to be an otherworldly crime.
The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was established in 1946 and moved to its current Jackson Street location in the 1990s. The facility serves as the state's primary forensic pathology center, handling suspicious deaths and providing expert testimony.
The building continues to house Virginia's chief medical examiner and forensic staff. It remains a working government facility that conducts autopsies and forensic investigations for the state, though it is not open for public tours.
901 W Franklin St — Academic and research connections
VCU's medical school and research facilities provide background context for Scarpetta's work and connections to the scientific community that Sal Giordano belonged to. The university's astrophysics and medical research departments become relevant to understanding Giordano's work and the scientific aspects of the case that Lucy investigates.
Virginia Commonwealth University was formed in 1968 through the merger of the Richmond Professional Institute and the Medical College of Virginia. The Medical College of Virginia, founded in 1838, has a long tradition of medical education and research in the city.
VCU is now a major research university with over 31,000 students. The medical campus downtown continues to be a leading center for medical education and research, including forensic medicine programs that would connect to Scarpetta's work.
Visit: Virginia Commonwealth University (tour)
1970 E Parham Rd — Federal investigation coordination
The FBI Richmond Field Office becomes involved in the Sal Giordano murder investigation due to the unusual circumstances and potential federal implications. Agents coordinate with Scarpetta and local law enforcement as they investigate the bizarre crime scene and try to determine whether otherworldly forces or more earthbound evil is responsible for the astrophysicist's death.
The FBI Richmond Field Office was established in 1937 and has jurisdiction over Virginia and parts of surrounding states. The office has handled numerous high-profile cases and works closely with local law enforcement on complex investigations.
The field office continues to operate from its Parham Road location, investigating federal crimes and providing support to local agencies. It is not open for public tours due to security concerns.
1 Richard E Byrd Terminal Dr — Travel and investigation logistics
The airport serves as a key location for the investigation's logistics, with investigators potentially traveling to and from Richmond as they pursue leads in the Sal Giordano case. Lucy's expertise with aircraft and her theory about Giordano being dropped from an unidentified flying craft adds significance to aviation-related locations in the story.
Richmond International Airport opened in 1927 as Richard Evelyn Byrd Flying Field, named after the famous polar explorer and aviator. It has served as the primary commercial airport for the Richmond metropolitan area for nearly a century.
The airport continues to serve the Richmond area with domestic and limited international flights. It handles over 3 million passengers annually and serves as a hub for regional travel throughout Virginia.
Visit: Richmond International Airport (landmark)
1000 Bank St — Government connections
The State Capitol building represents the governmental authority under which Scarpetta operates as chief medical examiner. The political implications of a high-profile murder case involving an acclaimed astrophysicist would inevitably involve state government officials who work from this historic building.
The Virginia State Capitol was designed by Thomas Jefferson and completed in 1788. It was the first state capitol building in the United States and served as the Confederate Capitol during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865.
The Capitol building continues to house the Virginia General Assembly and governor's offices. It offers public tours and is listed as a National Historic Landmark, welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
Visit: Virginia State Capitol (historic site)
Downtown Richmond waterfront — Scenic investigation backdrop
The James River provides a scenic backdrop to Richmond as Scarpetta and her team investigate the mysterious death of Sal Giordano. The river's peaceful flow contrasts with the disturbing nature of the case, and its banks may serve as locations where investigators gather to discuss the bizarre circumstances surrounding the astrophysicist's murder.
The James River has been central to Richmond's development since the city's founding in 1737. The river provided power for early mills and served as a transportation route, making Richmond a major port city in colonial and antebellum America.
The James River is now a recreational centerpiece of Richmond, with parks, walking trails, and whitewater rapids attracting kayakers and outdoor enthusiasts. The downtown waterfront features restaurants and entertainment venues.
Visit: James River State Park (park)
412 S Cherry St — Atmospheric location for reflection
This historic cemetery provides an atmospheric location where Scarpetta might come to reflect on death and her connection to Sal Giordano. The peaceful, gothic setting offers a stark contrast to the bizarre crime scene, and serves as a place where she can contemplate the clue that Giordano seems to have left for her from beyond the grave.
Hollywood Cemetery was founded in 1847 and is the final resting place of two U.S. presidents, James Monroe and John Tyler, as well as Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The cemetery was designed as a garden cemetery and is considered one of America's most beautiful burial grounds.
Hollywood Cemetery remains an active burial ground and popular tourist destination. It offers guided tours and attracts thousands of visitors annually who come to see the graves of famous Americans and enjoy the scenic views of the James River.
Visit: Hollywood Cemetery (historic site)
2500 W Broad St — Scientific research context
The Science Museum provides context for understanding Sal Giordano's work as an acclaimed astrophysicist. The museum's exhibits on space and astronomy help illuminate the scientific background that makes Giordano's murder so significant, and potentially connects to Lucy's theories about unidentified flying craft and otherworldly explanations for the crime.
The Science Museum of Virginia opened in 1977 in the former Broad Street Station, a beautiful Beaux-Arts railway terminal built in 1919. The station once served as Richmond's main passenger rail depot before being converted into an interactive science museum.
The museum continues to operate as Virginia's flagship science museum, featuring hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater, and planetarium. It attracts over 300,000 visitors annually and offers educational programs on astronomy, physics, and other sciences relevant to the story.
Visit: Science Museum of Virginia (museum)
Richmond — Astrophysics connection to Giordano
The University of Richmond's observatory represents the kind of scientific facility where Sal Giordano might have conducted his astrophysics research. The telescope and astronomical equipment here symbolize Giordano's dedication to studying the cosmos, making his death in such bizarre circumstances all the more tragic and mysterious.
The University of Richmond was founded in 1830 and has maintained strong science programs throughout its history. The campus observatory has been used for astronomical research and education for decades, contributing to our understanding of space and celestial phenomena.
The university continues to operate its observatory for research and educational purposes. While primarily serving students and faculty, it occasionally hosts public viewing events for astronomy enthusiasts and community members.
200 W Grace St — Local law enforcement coordination
Richmond Police Department headquarters serves as a coordination point for the local investigation into Sal Giordano's murder. Detectives work with Scarpetta and federal agents to piece together the bizarre circumstances of the case, sharing information about the crop circle of petals and other unusual evidence found at the abandoned theme park.
The Richmond Police Department was established in 1851 and has evolved into a modern law enforcement agency serving the capital city of Virginia. The department has handled numerous high-profile cases throughout its history.
The RPD continues to serve Richmond from its Grace Street headquarters, working with federal and state agencies on complex investigations. The facility houses detective divisions and administrative offices but is not open for public tours.
2201 Shields Lake Dr — Peaceful contrast to investigation
Maymont Park's beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere provide a stark contrast to the disturbing crime scene where Sal Giordano was found. Scarpetta might visit this tranquil location to clear her mind and process the emotional impact of investigating the murder of someone she once loved, surrounded by the very flowers that formed the mysterious crop circle around his body.
Maymont was the 100-acre estate of James and Sallie Dooley, completed in 1893. The couple bequeathed their property to the City of Richmond in 1925 to be used as a public park, creating one of the city's most beloved green spaces.
Maymont Park remains one of Richmond's premier attractions, featuring formal gardens, wildlife exhibits, and the historic Maymont Mansion. The park welcomes over 600,000 visitors annually and offers free admission to all its attractions.
Visit: Maymont Park (park)
More by Patricia Cornwell: All Patricia Cornwell books
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