In this vicinity, the Union Army of the Potomac made a stand on 30 June 1862, during its retreat from the Chickahominy River toward the James River. Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan posted several Union divisions facing east and north to protect this . . . — — Map (db m15058) HM
Grace Arents was a visionary social reformer and philanthropist whose quiet determination and generosity transformed Richmond. Her passions were children, nature, books, architecture, and her church. To aid the poor, “Miss Grace” . . . — — Map (db m54174) HM
Following a successful case before the Virginia Court of Appeals in 1777, the slaves of John Pleasants were allowed to follow the dictates of his 1771 will and were freed. His son, Robert Pleasants then gave seventy-eight former slaves 350 acres of . . . — — Map (db m17693) HM
Hanover County. Area 512 Square Miles. Formed in 1720 from New Kent, and named for the Electorate of Hanover. Patrick Henry and Henry Clay were born in this county. In it were fought the battles of Gaines's Mill, 1862, and Cold . . . — — Map (db m15455) HM
Sir Thomas Dale established the original Henrico Parish Church at Henricus, 4½ miles southeast of here, in 1611. The first minister, the Reverend Alexander Whitaker, has been credited with converting Pocahontas to Christianity. Other noteworthy . . . — — Map (db m24848) HM
In 1611, Sir Thomas Dale established the second English settlement in Virginia called Henrico in honor of Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales, son of King James I. The town was located four miles southwest on a peninsula of high land on the James . . . — — Map (db m9612) HM
In 1928, parents of students at the Fulton neighborhood's white Robert Fulton School objected to the presence of several Virginia Indian students. At that time, the only school's for Indians in Virginia were located in rural tribal communities. The . . . — — Map (db m180196) HM
Nearby stood the James River Steam Brewery, built in 1866 during a national boom in beer production. The five-story facility contributed to Richmond’s post-Civil War industrial recovery, and its beer garden served as a community center. David G. . . . — — Map (db m143044) HM
Near this location stood Chickahominy Farm, the country residence of U.S. Chief Justice John Marshall. Spending weekends at the farm with his wife, Marshall wrote that farming provided many hours of "laborious relaxation." Born in 1755, Marshall . . . — — Map (db m20730) HM
(panel 1)
John Smith Explores the Chesapeake
Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay in the early 1600s seeking precious metals and a passage to Asia. He traveled the James, Chickahominy, and York rivers in 1607, and led . . . — — Map (db m186658) HM
Before becoming a park, this property was part of the Young family's Westbrook estate in the 1700s and later Rosewood, home of the Mordecai family. It was a gathering place for participants in Gabriel's Rebellion in 1800. During the Civil War, . . . — — Map (db m24751) HM
Early in May 1864, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant hoped to end the Civil War by attacking Confederate armies simultaneously throughout the South. The commander in chief of all U.S. armies, Grant, accompanied Gen. George G. Meade’s Army of the Potomac as it . . . — — Map (db m54253) HM
The view from here illustrates the power of the Union position atop Malvern Hill. Late in the afternoon of July 1, two Confederate brigades attacked across the treeless flat terrain below. Union guns in the Crew yard and elsewhere pounded the . . . — — Map (db m84882) HM
Malvern Hill is the story of Confederate infantry against massed Federal artillery – Southern valor against Union firepower. Late in the afternoon of July 1, 1862, blasts from Union cannon blanketed this field with smoke. Residents of Staunton, . . . — — Map (db m15204) HM
Up the face of this ridge and through the meadow to the left J.B. Magruder's troops charged the Federal positions on the crest, around the Crew House, July 1, 1862. D.H. Hill's charge was to the right, on both sides of the Willis Church Road. — — Map (db m14229) HM
On May 15, 1862 a small federal fleet including the ironclads, the Monitor, the Galena, and three wooden war ships sailed up the James River to try to enter the Confederate capital at Richmond. Their efforts were blocked at Drewry’s Bluff by . . . — — Map (db m16304) HM
Legend indicates that the road was once an Indian trail. In the early nineteenth century, a "new market" was established in Richmond to replace the old one in Williamsburg. This road was eventually referred to as New Market Road. The 1819 Wood's . . . — — Map (db m9241) HM
First known as New Bridge Road, the name “Nine Mile” comes from the distance between Richmond and Seven Pines ending at Williamsburg Road. In 1888, Richmond City and Seven Pines Railway Company established a route along the road. This . . . — — Map (db m53979) HM
William Lawrence Bottomley (1883-1951), the well-known architect who planned a number of sophisticated Colonial Revival houses for wealthy Richmond-area clients, also designed this large utilitarian structure. In 1946, Atlantic Rural Exposition, . . . — — Map (db m29193) HM
The Arrohateck Indians lived along the James River north of the Appomattox. They met Smith and his comrades on their initial journey up the James, paddling out to meet the English on a small island. “In the midway staying to refresh our selves in . . . — — Map (db m16336) HM
Osborne Landing was located near here along the north bank of the James River across from the Village of Osborne in Chesterfield County. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries a ferry operated nearby and the landing was a regular stopping point for . . . — — Map (db m16303) HM
By 1864, a complex series of fortifications north of Richmond and the James River protected the capital of the Confederacy. The outer line of western defenses crossed the road (then called the Deep Run Turnpike) here. The intermediate defensive line . . . — — Map (db m16012) HM
The Exterior Line of Richmond's Civil War defenses crossed Brook Road near here. Occasional Union cavalry raids threatened from the north, making this portion of the city's elaborate earthen defenses especially significant. Union troops briefly . . . — — Map (db m47370) HM
Matoaka, nicknamed Pocahontas ("playful one"), the daughter of Powhatan, was born about 1595. At age eleven, she befriended Captain John Smith and later visited the English colonists. In 1613 Samuel Argall kidnapped Pocahontas to use her as a . . . — — Map (db m9613) HM
In this vicinity is believed to be the birthplace of Wahunsunacock, better known as Powhatan. A village stood nearby that also bore the name Powhatan. By the time the English arrived in 1607, Powhatan was acknowledged as the paramount chief of about . . . — — Map (db m16300) HM
A "University and College" was authorized by the Virginia Company charter of 1618 at Henrico Town but never opened. Some 10,000 acres on the James River upstream from the new town were to provide agricultural income for the school. The college's . . . — — Map (db m9610) HM
Benjamin B. Levy, a young Jewish volunteer, received the Medal of Honor on 1 Mar. 1865, one of the first Jews so recognized. He entered service in the 1st New York Infantry in New York City on 22 Apr. 1861. During the Battle of Glendale (Frayser's . . . — — Map (db m231611) HM
The Battle of Malvern Hill was the last in the weeklong series of engagements in 1862 known as the Seven Days battles. General George B. McClellan's Union army, having been maneuvered away from its base at White House Landing east of Richmond, . . . — — Map (db m29225) HM
Here ran the intermediate line of Richmond defences. Built in 1862-64, these defences included 25 inner forts and batteries, beyond which this continuous earthwork encircled the city. The third or outer line was distant from the capitol 4 to 7 . . . — — Map (db m14218) HM
Here the outer line of the Confederate defences of Richmond crossed Brook Road. This line, here distant five miles from the capitol, was built in 1862-64 and extended in a half-circle from the James River near the present University of Richmond to . . . — — Map (db m16007) HM
Near this spot the Eastern face of the Intermediate Line of the Richmond Defences crossed the Williamsburg Road. About one-fourth mile Eastward was the Junction of Williamsburg and Charles City Roads, two of the main lines of the Federal advance on . . . — — Map (db m14252) HM
To the North was the Confederate Fort Gilmer, attacked but not captured, Sept. 29,1864. Southward, earthworks centering around Fort Harrison extended to James River. These protected Chaffin's Bluff which, with Drewry's Bluff opposite it, guarded the . . . — — Map (db m14253) HM
The eastern face of the Outer Line of the Confederate defences of Richmond, which here crossed the Darbytown Road, extended Southward from the heights of the Chickahominy to Chaffin's Bluff on James River, a distance of about 11 miles. — — Map (db m14256) HM
At this point the Intermediate Line of the Confederate defences of Richmond crossed this, the Darbytown Road. This line was continuous around Richmond and lay between the outer defensive system and the inner forts. — — Map (db m14257) HM
National Cemetery
During the Civil War, Union and Confederate armies fought multiple battles for control of Richmond. Thousands of Union soldiers perished. They are now buried in Richmond National Cemetery and six other national cemeteries . . . — — Map (db m89723) HM
West and Southwest, distant one-half mile lies the Battlefield of Glendale or Frazier's Farm, where the Confederate divisions of Longstreet and A.P. Hill on June 30, 1862, attacked and forced the withdrawal of Federal troops covering McClellan's . . . — — Map (db m14214) HM
East
1607-1707
Native Settlements and Early Colonization
May 24, 1607: days after landing at Jamestown, Christopher Newport left his fellow English colonists to explore the James River. Accompanied by “five gentlemen, . . . — — Map (db m54831) HM
On 16 August 1864 Confederate Brig. Gen. John R. Chambliss, Jr., was killed near here attempting to evade capture during the Second Battle of Deep Bottom. As troops of the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry removed his epaulets, sash, and saber, Union Brig. . . . — — Map (db m18503) HM
Saint Joseph’s Villa, founded 25 Nov. 1834 and incorporated 3 Oct. 1868, is one of the oldest-operating children’s institutions in the United States. For 143 years administered by the Catholic Daughters of Charity as an orphanage and girls’ school, . . . — — Map (db m1919) HM
About noon on 16 Aug. 1864, Union Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Terry, with almost 5,000 men in four brigades, attacked the Confederate line over this ground. In a brief yet vicious struggle, Terry's men broke through 400 yards west of here. During the . . . — — Map (db m16179) HM
Here stood the center of Longstreet's line of battle in the afternoon of June 30, 1862. The Confederates, coming from the west, attacked the Union line just beyond. The battle lasted all afternoon, with varying fortunes and much hand-to-hand . . . — — Map (db m181653) HM
Here Lee met Longstreet and Jackson in the morning of July 1, 1862. D. H. Hill reported the strength of the Union position on Malvern Hill; but Lee, having cause to believe the Unionists were weakening, prepared to attack. Jackson and D. H. Hill . . . — — Map (db m196503) HM
This was the extreme left of the Union line at Glendale, and was held by Hooker’s Division. When McCall (just to the north) was broken, Hooker, supported by Burns’s brigade, drove the Confederates back. In the night the Union army marched southward. — — Map (db m15077) HM
Across the road here stretched the Confederate line of battle, facing south, in the afternoon of July 1, 1862. Jackson commanded here, Magruder to the west. Longstreet and A. P. Hill were in reserve the battle lasted intermittently. From morning to . . . — — Map (db m14920) HM
Here from east to west, Berdan’s sharpshooters of Morell’s division were strung out in the afternoon of July 1, 1862. Their rapid and accurate fire harassed the Confederates as they emerged from the woods and charged up the hill. — — Map (db m14931) HM
Across the road here stretched the Union line of battle in the afternoon of July 1, 1862. Couch’s, Kearney’s and Hooker’s divisions were to the east of the road, Morell to the west, with Sykes in reserve. The Confederates made several attacks and, . . . — — Map (db m14911) HM
By the final week of June 1862, the Union army lay sprawled east of Richmond, on both sides of the flooded Chickahominy River. General George B. McClellan planned to move that army within artillery range of Richmond; Confederate leader Robert E. Lee . . . — — Map (db m34665) HM
Willis Church Road runs from here to Malvern Hill. A large part of Union Gen. George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac followed this road south toward the James River, four miles ahead, near the end of the Seven Days’ Battles in 1862. On 30 June, . . . — — Map (db m15061) HM
In 1864, Brook Road provided the most direct avenue of approach from the north for Union cavalry raids on Richmond. After defeating Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's Confederate cavalry at Yellow Tavern, four miles north of here, on 11 May 1864, Union . . . — — Map (db m54168) HM
According to legend, just beyond the fork where the Deep Run Turnpike (now Broad Street Road) crossed Three Notched Road (now Three Chopt Road) stood a tavern which was built in 1815. Here, under the rickety old double porch of the rambling frame . . . — — Map (db m25362) HM
Grey Skipwith, Sr., a midshipman in the Confederate navy purchased the original site, formerly "Fort Hill", a Civil War parade ground, in 1890. Lord Alfred Bosson designed Bekeby, an English style Tudor mansion, in 1927 for Admiral Grey Skipwith, . . . — — Map (db m25611) HM
The earliest record of the property shows that Samuel Williamson owned the 400 acre tract in 1796. His son, Dabney, who inherited the property, owned a slave by the name Lewis who participated in Gabriel’s Rebellion in 1800. Lewis attempted to . . . — — Map (db m24748) HM
(Preface): In May 1862, Union Gen. George B. McClellan led the Army of the Potomac up the Peninsula to the gates of Richmond. Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia in June and began planning a . . . — — Map (db m55719) HM
The fortifications here was part of the outer defensive line begun during the Peninsula Campaugn to protect the Confederate capital of Richmond. At 5 A.M. on June 12, 1862, Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and 1,200 cavalrymen, including several who . . . — — Map (db m196021) HM
In the predawn darkness Federal soldiers storm over this outer wall. Hundreds of Confederates are asleep in their tents. Although the Federals are able to overrun Fort Harrison, General Hiram Burnham, commanding the lead brigade is killed. His . . . — — Map (db m15090) HM
At daybreak on 3 April 1865, Federal troops formed to march into Richmond. A cavalry detachment under Majors Atherton H. Stevens, Jr. and Eugene E. Graves moved up the Osborne Turnpike to its junction with New Market Road. Here they met Richmond . . . — — Map (db m16298) HM
The Crew House -- also known during the war as Dr. Mellert's -- is a key landmark of the battlefield. In 1862, numerous outbuildings were located close to the house, and a small orchard stood nearby. The original house burned in the 1870's, and this . . . — — Map (db m29442) HM
In the residence at the end of this lane, General R.E. Lee had headquarters from June 1 to June 26, 1862. Hither for conference came “Stonewall” Jackson, Longstreet, Stuart, A.P. Hill, D.H. Hill and other of his lieutenants. Here the . . . — — Map (db m15929) HM
On May 27, 1771, a wall of water came roaring down the James River valley following ten to twelve days of intensive rain. As water swept through Richmond, buildings, boats, animals, and vegetation were lost. About one hundred fifty people were . . . — — Map (db m9248) HM
Fort Harrison (renamed Fort Burhham) as it appeared in 1864-65. At the time of construction, Fort Harrison was surrounded by open fields. — — Map (db m15486) HM
The Confederate fortifications at Brook Hill were occupied forceably (sic) three times by Union cavalry during the Civil War. The initial raid during the night of May 4, 1863 by General Stoneman’s troops was of relatively little consequence. On . . . — — Map (db m15946) HM
July 1, 1862 Porter positions artillery seemingly hub to hub across this half-mile crest. In front, fields slope down to woods and swamp – a tough place to form a charge. As Confederates launch disjointed assaults, Federal cannon like giant . . . — — Map (db m14922) HM
Looking back to the north, you now share the view of the Union artillerists. Remember that their guns stretched all the way across the hill in front of you. Today only eight guns represent where at least thirty stood during the battle. On several . . . — — Map (db m29440) HM
The Markel Corporation commissioned architect Haig Jamgochian, a Richmond native, to design their headquarters in 1962. The aluminum clad conical structure was inspired by a baked potatto wrapped in foil served to Jamgochian while attending an . . . — — Map (db m25620) HM
June 26, 1862 “We expect to be in Richmond in a fortnight,” writes a young officer in the 7th Maine. With Federal troops close enough to set their watches by Richmond’s church bells, General Robert E. Lee orders his men to strengthen . . . — — Map (db m14972) HM
The War of 1812. Impressment of Americans into British service and the violation of American ships were among the causes of America’s War of 1812 with the British, which lasted until 1815. Beginning in 1813, Virginians suffered from a British . . . — — Map (db m95890) HM
Formerly enslaved African Americans established Westwood Village here after the Civil War. Residents built houses, a church, a school, and businesses, forming a vibrant, self-sustaining community with many social and cultural organizations. The City . . . — — Map (db m212525) HM
Soon after landing at Jamestown in May 1607. Captain Christopher Newport, while exploring the James River discovered Turkey Island (two miles south). He named it for the large number of wild turkeys there. In 1684, William Randolph purchased Turkey . . . — — Map (db m9249) HM
Archeologists uncovered building foundations near this location of a house believed to have been designed by Ryland Randolph in the late 1760s. Ryland Randolph (1738-1784) was the great-grandson of Pocahontas and the grandson of William Randolph and . . . — — Map (db m70544) HM
Steep terrain on both flanks of the Union line funneled the Confederate attackers into the face of 29 Union cannon lining this ridge. Six 12-pounder Napoleon guns of Company A, 5th U.S. Artillery, fired from near this spot. During the afternoon of . . . — — Map (db m15198) HM
The name derives from the resemblance of the tobacco introduced and grown by John Rolfe in 1614 to a variety grown in Varina, Spain. Varina was established as a town in 1680 and became the civil, judicial, and ecclesiastical center of Henrico . . . — — Map (db m9608) HM
Erected in
grateful memory
to those of Varina who
faithfully served in
two World Wars
Let us live for those
who have fallen, that in our lives
they may be resurrected. — — Map (db m184204) WM
In 1947, Virginia received its first Air Guard unit designated as the 149th Fighter Squadron. Founded by the Virginia legislature in 1946 and recognized by the National Guard Bureau in 1947, it is directly descended from the historic 328th Fighter . . . — — Map (db m24852) HM
This depression is all that remains of a well that was dug to provide water for the soldiers of Fort Harrison. It was probably built by Confederates before the battle, and like the fort was captured on September 29, 1864. — — Map (db m15493) HM
Derived from a 1921 design by renowned golf architect Donald Ross, Westwood Golf Club served the public from 1927 to the mid-1930's. Following a change in ownership, Westwood Supper Club occupied the clubhouse from 1936 until 1950, when the Officers . . . — — Map (db m25619) HM
This edifice, which gave its name to the road McClellan followed from Glendale in his withdrawal toward James River, was used as a field hospital by the Confederate troops after the Battle of Malvern Hill. July 1, 1862. — — Map (db m14224) HM
Five miles southwest. The house was built by William Randolph, son of William Randolph of Turkey Island, early in the eighteenth century. It was Lafayette's headquarters, May 15-20, 1781, just before Cornwallis crossed the James in pursuit of him. — — Map (db m24846) HM
In honor of the men from this community who gave their lives in the service of their country in World War II
1941 - 1945
★ James E.W. Ayers, Army •
★ Herbert Carter, Army •
★ Fred C. Darlington, Army • . . . — — Map (db m167847) WM
Just south of here on Brook Road (present-day U.S. Route 1) is the site of Yellow Tavern. North of the tavern, on 11 May 1864, Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart deployed his Confederate cavalry to confront Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan's Union cavalry as it . . . — — Map (db m10652) HM
Just one block southwest at Young's Spring on Upham Brook, slaves often congregated on weekends to hold religious services and social gatherings. This is where Gabriel, a slave of William Prosser, planned the slave rebellion scheduled for 30 August . . . — — Map (db m24740) HM
Almost every Confederate soldier who died in a Richmond hospital during the war was buried in one of three local cemeteries: Hollywood, Oakwood, or Shockoe Hill. Although Hollywood Cemetery is the best known because of the many prominent men buried . . . — — Map (db m61820) HM
After the First Battle of Manassas, Richmond appropriated this approximately 7.5 - acre lot on 12 Aug. 1861 for burial of Confederate war dead. These Soldiers from every Southern state either died in Richmond's military hospitals, such as . . . — — Map (db m15426) HM
This colored paupers’ cemetery was originally founded in 1895 by William Forrester as a part of Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in Henrico County. Many of the colored cemeteries in the city were overgrown due to lack of appropriate care, and Mr. . . . — — Map (db m76505) HM
This tree dedicated by the Veterans Administration in 1976 to America's Medal of Honor recipients who helped make this Bicentennial observance possible "by gallantry above and beyond the call of duty" — — Map (db m216534) WM
In honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States of America and the families they left behind. The sacrifice will not be forgotten. — — Map (db m216529) WM
Italian immigrants were a small but cohesive segment of Richmond’s population by the 1850s. Local artist Ferruccio Legnaioli, who employed many Italian immigrant artisans, influenced the cityscape with his ornamental designs for the facades of . . . — — Map (db m103294) HM
In 1891, Evergreen Cemetery was established as a preeminent resting place for many of Virginia's most influential African-American residents. These include Maggie L. Walker, president and founder of the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, and John . . . — — Map (db m53937) HM
A chapel, built in 1772 at Boar Swamp, was used by Elijah Baker to gather people for worship. In 1776 the church was constituted as Boar Swamp Baptist Church, with Joshua Morris as the first pastor. In 1780 Joshua Morris and fourteen members from . . . — — Map (db m73763) HM
Prior to the 1920s construction of the Antioch School, children from the Elko community and surrounding neighborhoods had to travel long distances by horse and wagon to attend White Oak and Glendale schools. During the over 40 year history of the . . . — — Map (db m233807) HM
On May 10th 1862, McClellan’s Army of the Potomac landed at White House landing, where the Richmond and York River Railroad crossed the Pamunkey River, some 20 miles east of Richmond. Meeting no resistance from the Confederate Army, McClellan set up . . . — — Map (db m196737) HM
On the night of June 27, 1862, following the Battle of Gaines’ Mill, Gen. George McClellan ordered a withdrawal of his Union army to the James River. In the wake of the retreating army, Savage’s Station, located one half mile in front of you along . . . — — Map (db m3685) HM
Defeated at Gaine's Mill on 27 June 1862, Union Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan's Army of the Potomac withdrew southward to establish a base on the James River. Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee ordered Brig. Gen. John B. Magruder to pursue and attack. . . . — — Map (db m196724) HM
On 25 June 1862 began the Seven Days' Battles as Gen. Robert E. Lee engaged Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan's Army of the Potomac, prompting McClellan to withdraw to the James River. Just north of here at 9:00 A.M. on 29 June, Brig. Gen. John B. . . . — — Map (db m15666) HM
On May 31, 1862, the Right Wing of the Confederate Forces under Joseph E. Johnston advanced Eastward from this point on both sides the Williamsburg Road to attack the left of McClellan's Army which held Seven Pines and was preparing to besiege . . . — — Map (db m195028) HM
In their Eastward attack of May 31, 1862 on Federal troops holding Seven Pines, Rodes' Brigade to the South of this highway and Garland’s Brigade to the North, supported respectively by Rains and G.B. Anderson, came under heavy fire approximately at . . . — — Map (db m14246) HM
The Federal first line, against which the right wave of the Confederate Army directed the main assault of May 31, 1862, crossed the Williamsburg Road near this spot. Casey’s Redoubt, the centre of Federal resistance on this line, was 200 yards . . . — — Map (db m14247) HM
Nearby stood "The Twin Houses" from the vicinity of which Confederate Troops moving eastward, charged the Federal Second Line near Seven Pines after they had stormed Casey's Redoubt and the rest of the Federal First Line on May 31, 1862. — — Map (db m14248) HM
In the abatis occupying this ground and covering the second Federal line, the advance of Rodes' Brigade was halted by heavy fire after sunset, May 31,1862. The Confederate dead in this last charge were never removed. They still slumber hereabout. — — Map (db m195027) HM
On 20 May 1862, Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan's Union army crossed the Chickahominy River over Bottom's Bridge into Henrico County. Here Maj. Gen. Erasmus D. Keyes's Federal corps advanced over the bridge unopposed. As McClellan's army advanced on . . . — — Map (db m15664) HM
