Naturally Historic In Chesterfield County, Virginia
by Ivy Lamb
Located just south of Richmond, Chesterfield County beckons visitors with its rich history and wide-open spaces.
It boasts not only Virginia’s largest state park, but also the second-oldest English settlement in the U.S.
In 1611, English settlers traveled upriver from Jamestown and established the Citie of Henricus. They found the area occupied by the Powhatan Indians – tribe of the legendary Pocahontas. The Indian princess lived in Henricus and married Englishman John Rolfe, forging a treaty between the Powhatans and the English.
Today, Henricus Historical Park allows visitors to experience life in the reconstructed settlement. Explore the living-history museum’s 12 re-created colonial and Native American structures, including the New World’s first hospital. Costumed interpreters encourage visitors to try their hand at harvesting, cooking, and blacksmithing.
There’s much more to explore, though, thanks to the county’s long history – documented in detail from prehistoric times through the 20th century at the Chesterfield County Museum. Or get out and about at historic landmarks such as Falling Creek Ironworks, home to the first iron furnace, and Mid-Lothian Mines Park, site of the earliest coal-mining operation in the U.S.
Then get a taste of the area’s Southern charms by visiting one of the many historic homes. Eppington Plantation hosted Thomas Jefferson more than once. This Georgian-style manse was actually built by his in-laws, the Eppes. Today the Eppington Foundation keeps it well-preserved. Meanwhile, the Chesterfield
Historical Society of Virginia manages Magnolia Grange, another elegant, pre-Civil War home. The circa-1822 Federal-style plantation got its name from the circle of magnolias that once stood proudly on the front lawn.
Civil War buffs won’t be disappointed either. Some of the lesser-known but no less important battles occurred in Chesterfield County. Since Richmond served as the capital of the Confederacy, the surrounding land was an epicenter for fighting. Visit Drewry’s Bluff – located eight miles downriver from Richmond – to see the key defense point against Federal attacks from the James River. Then tour Bermuda Hundred, where Union and Confederate troops battled from 1864 through the end of the war.
No doubt its location between two rivers – the James and the Appomattox – helped make Chesterfield a hot spot throughout history, but today the location offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. Take a boat or fishing tour up the James, or visit the Presquile National Wildlife Refuge, a 1,329-acre island in the James River. Pocahontas State Park (the state’s largest) covers 7,724 pristine acres and has been ranked one the nation’s top ten campgrounds by Citysearch.
After a long day of sightseeing, relax with a concert at the park’s Heritage Amphitheater. Or take in a show at Swift Mill Creek Theater, housed in what’s believed to be the oldest grist mill in the U.S. Expect professional productions ranging from I Love a Piano: The Music of Irving Berlin to The Marvelous Wonderettes.
With so much to explore, you may not know where to begin. But the best way to travel Chesterfield County is simple – start in 1611 with the settlers in Henricus and work your way forward.
