Church Hill in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

British Invasion of Richmond, January 1781

Invasion of Richmond, January 1781 Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

1. Invasion of Richmond, January 1781 Marker

Inscription. On 4 Jan. 1781, British troops led by Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold landed at Westover in Charles City County and began marching to Richmond. Learning of the threat, Governor Thomas Jefferson directed the removal of public records and military stores to safety before evacuating the capital. On 5 Jan., Arnold’s troops easily dispersed colonial forces arranged on defensive positions here on Church Hill and Shockoe Hill and occupied Richmond for twenty-four hours. Before returning the following day to Westover, the British burned some private buildings and public storehouses containing military supplies, and destroyed the foundry and some public records at nearby Westham.

Erected 2003 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number S-1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 4, 1781.

Location. 37° 31.921′ N, 77° 25.16′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Church Hill. Marker is on East Broad Street (U.S. 250) 0 miles east of North 24th Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map

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. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23223, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Saint John’s Episcopal Church (a few steps from this marker); Major William Mayo (a few steps from this marker); St. John's Episcopal Church (a few steps from this marker); St. John’s Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Patrick Henry Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Historic St. John’s Church (within shouting distance of this marker); George Wythe (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Burton-Farrar House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Marker along E Broad Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

2. Marker along E Broad Street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,862 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.