The bowl was recently filled in with smooth concrete and the vertical ramp removed to make way for safer amenities.

Laurel's previous names include Hungary; Hungary Station; Jenningsville, so named because the Jennings family, who were large landholders and have a family gravesite at the site of the historic district;[4] and School.

[6] In the 19th century, Laurel was a stop on the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac (RF&P) Railroad.

It was a spur line that connected the coalfields in western Henrico with the rail network.

[7] The RF&P railroad is succeeded by CSX Transportation, which still operates on the same rights-of-way.

It then became the Crystal Ice Co. and the Laurel Post Office, where Lillian Merkle was Postmaster[when?].

Robert Bluford, the preservationist, made efforts to ensure that the restored building stayed true to its original style.