On Brook Road (U.S. 1) 0.2 miles north of Brook Run Drive, on the right when traveling north.
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
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) at Long Bridge Road, on the right when traveling west on New Market Road.
John Pleasants, Sr., nearby landowner and Quaker, requested in his will that his slaves be freed when each became 30 years old. Pleasants died in 1771, but it was not until 1782 that some of his slaves gained freedom when the Virginia General . . . — — Map (db m9604) HM
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) at Farmers Circle Drive, on the right when traveling west on New Market Road.
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
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) 0.1 miles south of Oakland Road, on the left when traveling south.
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
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) at Farmers Circle Drive, on the right when traveling west on New Market Road.
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
On Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. 360) 0.2 miles north of East Laburnum Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
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
On Williamsburg Road (U.S. 60) at Eanes Lane, on the left when traveling east on Williamsburg Road.
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
On Darbytown Road 0.1 miles east of Shirleydale Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
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
On Brook Road (U.S. 1) 0.4 miles from Interstate 95, on the right when traveling north.
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 Williamsburg Road (U.S. 60) east of Government Road (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling east.
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
On Rocketts Way at Old Main Street on Rocketts Way.
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 Brook Road (U.S. 1) 0.1 miles south of Parham Road (Virginia Route 73), on the right when traveling south.
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
On Darbytown Road 0.1 miles east of Longbridge Road, on the right when traveling west.
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 m16180) HM
Near Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. 360) near Springdale Road, on the right when traveling east.
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
On Brook Road (U.S. 1) north of Azalea Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
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
On Townes Road 0.1 miles west of Foster Road, on the right when traveling west.
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
Near Brook Road (U.S. 1) 0.1 miles west of Brook Road, on the right when traveling south.
(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
Near Battlefield Park Road, Richmond, on the left when traveling south.
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
On New Market Road (State Highway 5) at Tree Hill Lane, on the right when traveling south on New Market Road.
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
Near Nine Mile Road 0.1 miles west of Dabbs House Road.
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 New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) at Curles Neck Road, on the right when traveling east on New Market Road.
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
Near Battlefield Park Road, on the left when traveling south.
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
Near Brook Road (U.S. 1) 0.1 miles west of Brook Road (U.S. 1), on the left when traveling north.
The Confederate fortifications at Brook Hill were occupied forceably 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 March 1, . . . — — Map (db m15946) HM
On Markel Road 0.1 miles from Willow Lawn Drive, on the right when traveling west.
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
Near Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. 360), on the right when traveling north.
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 . . . — — Map (db m14972) HM
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) at Curles Neck Road, on the right when traveling east on New Market Road.
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
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) at Curles Neck Road, on the right when traveling east on New Market Road.
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
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) at Farmers Circle Drive, on the right when traveling west on New Market Road.
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
On Huntsman Road 0.1 miles south of South Airport Drive, on the left when traveling west.
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
Near Battlefield Park Road, on the left when traveling south.
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
Near West Club Lane 0.1 miles north of Fitzhugh Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
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
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) at Herman Street, on the right when traveling east on New Market Road.
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
On Brook Road (U.S. 1) 0.1 miles north of Mountain Road, on the right when traveling north.
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
On Lakeside Avenue (Virginia Route 161) at Park Street, on the right when traveling north on Lakeside Avenue.
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
On Antioch Church Road 0.1 miles east of Old Williamsburg Road, on the left when traveling east.
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
On Meadow Road (County Route 156), on the right when traveling east.
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
On East Williamsburg Road (U.S. 60) 0.1 miles east of Interstate 295, on the right when traveling east.
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 West Williamsburg Road (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling east.
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 m14245) HM
On East Williamsburg Road (U.S. 60), on the left when traveling east.
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
On E. Williamsburg Road (U.S. 60), on the left when traveling west.
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
On Casey Street near Rodes Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
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 m14513) HM
On East Williamsburg Road (U.S. 60) 0.1 miles east of White Oak Road, on the right when traveling east.
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
On South Airport Drive at Clarkson Road, on the right when traveling north on South Airport Drive.
This is one of several replicas of 10-pound Parrott Guns (cannon) located in this area. Its maximum effective range was about 2500 yards. The Parrott was a muzzled-loaded rifled canon varying from the 10 to 250 pound projectile size. It can be . . . — — Map (db m26925) HM
On Portugee Road at Technology Boulevard, on the right when traveling west on Portugee Road.
At this location in World War II, the 936th Camouflage Battalion constructed a decoy airfield to protect nearby Byrd Airfield, which was converted to Richmond Army Air Base in May 1943. On 2,400 acres of farmland seized by the federal government, . . . — — Map (db m73762) HM
On White Oak Road 0.1 miles north of Windsor Road, on the right when traveling south.
In November 1916, a group of approximately 100 Danish and Norwegian Americans established the Windsor Community Farm at Elko. The cooperative farm venture led by Frank and Anna Hurop was unprofitable, but members of the settlement stayed and built . . . — — Map (db m24859) HM
On E Nine Mile Road (Virginia Route 33), on the left when traveling west.
This intersection of the Richmond and York River Railroad with the Nine Mile Road became one of Henrico County’s best-known landmarks during the Civil War. Fair Oaks Station lay on the north side of the junction. As part of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston’s . . . — — Map (db m10604) HM
On Charles City Road 0.3 miles east of South Airport Drive, on the left when traveling east.
Here, where the outer line of the Confederate defences of Richmond crossed the Charles City Road, stood Fort Lee, named after General Robert E. Lee and constructed to protect a vital line of approach to the capital city from strong or sudden attack. — — Map (db m14254) HM
On East Williamsburg Road (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling west.
Union Brig. Gen. Silas Casey held both sides of the road here on 31 May 1862, in Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan’s first defensive line at Seven Pines. Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston ordered a dawn attack, but his lieutenants acted slowly. Maj. . . . — — Map (db m14322) HM
On East Williamsburg Road (U.S. 60) at East Nine Mile Road (Virginia Route 33), on the right when traveling west on East Williamsburg Road.
Here, at Seven Pines, was McClellan’s second and main line of defense. The Confederates under D. H. Hill, having taken the first line, attacked this position, held by Casey and Couch reinforced by Kearny, May 31, 1862. The battle was bitterly . . . — — Map (db m14326) HM
On Meadow Road (County Route 156), on the right when traveling east.
In this vicinity a part of McClellan’s army remained for several weeks after the Battle of Seven Pines. The part of his army north of the Chickahominy was attacked by Lee, June 26-27, 1862. McClellan then began to withdraw to the James, June 28-29, . . . — — Map (db m3726) HM
On Old Williamsburg Road 0.1 miles east of Old Drybridge Road, on the left when traveling east.
Here ran McClellan's third line of defense, May 31 - June 1, 1862. The Confederates, taking the first and second lines on this road, did not reach the third. — — Map (db m15662) HM
On West Williamsburg Road (Route 60) 0.1 miles west of Sandburne Parkway, on the right.
At this point the outer line of the Confederate Defences of Richmond crossed the Williamsburg Road. Begun after the Battle of Seven Pines and subsequently much strengthened, the Eastern face of this line was a continuous earthwork from the James to . . . — — Map (db m14251) HM
On Meadow Road (County Route 156), on the right when traveling east.
After crossing the Chickahominy River to the north at Grapevine Bridge, portions of Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan’s retreating Union army destroyed the bridge and moved southeast along this road on 28 June 1862. After rebuilding the bridge the next . . . — — Map (db m8134) HM
On West Williamsburg Road (U.S. 60) at Pickett Avenue, on the right when traveling east on West Williamsburg Road.
In 1918 as World War I ended, the Seven Pines Bag Loading Plant #3, used for gun powder packing, was dismantled. The federal government sold 600 acres of land, the electric car line, remaining plant buildings, and 230 Aladdin houses, that were . . . — — Map (db m24850) HM
On E Nine Mile Road (Virginia Route 33), on the left when traveling west.
Most of the fighting on the second day of the Battle of Seven Pines (Fair Oaks), occurred near here on 1 June 1862. Confederate Maj. Gen. Gustavus W. Smith, who had assumed command following the wounding of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston the evening . . . — — Map (db m10599) HM
On Elko Road (County Route 156), on the right when traveling south.
Here the greater part of McClellan’s army and wagon trains crossed the swamp, June 28-30, 1862. Jackson, pursuing, arrived about noon on June 30, to find the bridge destroyed and the Unionists holding the south side. Failing to force a passage that . . . — — Map (db m3721) HM
On a hill just to the west Stonewall Jackson placed his artillery about midday on June 30, 1862. An artillery duel then began with Franklin, guarding the south side of White Oak Swamp, that lasted until dark. — — Map (db m3722) HM
On Elko Road (County Route 156) at Hines Road, on the right when traveling south on Elko Road.
Here Franklin, aided by Richardson, held the passage of White Oak Swamp against Jackson while the Battle of Glendale raged near by, June 30, 1862. A fierce duel went on all afternoon between the Union batteries here and Jackson’s guns on the north . . . — — Map (db m3723) HM
On Meadow Road 0.1 miles east of Grapevine Road, on the right when traveling east.
Here, facing west, stretched the Union line in the afternoon of June 29, 1862. Brook's brigade was south of the road with Gorman's and Burn's brigades to the north. In a furious conflict Burn's line was broken but was restored by Sumner in person. . . . — — Map (db m15660) HM
On East Williamsburg Road (U.S. 60) 0.1 miles west of Drybridge Road, on the right when traveling west.
On 26 June 1862, Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan abandoned his plan to besiege Richmond and began his retreat to the James River. Gen. Robert E. Lee pursued, determined to destroy the Army of the Potomac. Just north of here at Allen's Farm, at 9:00 . . . — — Map (db m15682) HM
On Meadow Road (County Route 156), on the right when traveling east.
Here Magruder’s line of Battle, facing east, formed in the late afternoon of June 29, 1862. Barksdale’s, Semmes’s and Kershaw’s Brigades, extending from south of this road to the railroad, made a desperate effort to prevent the Union withdrawal. . . . — — Map (db m3686) HM
On E Williamsburg Road (U.S. 60), on the left when traveling west.
Confederate attacks on May 31, 1862, designed to push the Union army away from Richmond, struck an isolated wing of the Federal Fourth Corps in this vicinity. The heaviest action took place along the Williamsburg Road. Marching from the west, men . . . — — Map (db m10595) HM
On Grapevine Road 0.3 miles south of Old Hanover Road, on the right when traveling south.
Between June 12 and June 28, 1862, Union Gen. George B. McClellan maintained his headquarters here at Trent House. Known as “Reynoldsville,” the house dates from about 1825. During the Civil War, it was the home of Dr. Peterfield Trent . . . — — Map (db m14207) HM
On Elko Road (County Route 156), on the right when traveling south on Elko Road.
After the twilight battle at Savage’s Station on June 29, 1862, the Army of the Potomac abandoned the final remnants of its line in front of Richmond and retreated through the darkness toward the James River. Once across White Oak Swamp, the Union . . . — — Map (db m3720) HM
On Elko Road (County Route 156), on the right when traveling south.
Here on June 30, 1862, “Stonewall” Jackson’s command, pursuing McClellan’s army was halted by fire from troops of Franklin’s corps posted across the stream. Failing to effect a crossing, Jackson could not participate in the converging . . . — — Map (db m14221) HM
On Meadow Road 0.1 miles east of Grapevine Road, on the right when traveling east.
In the field beyond this marker was fought June 29, 1862, the battle of Savage Station in which Confederate forces under command of Major-General John B. Magruder attacked indecisively the rearguard of the Federal Army moving toward James River. . . . — — Map (db m14209) HM
Near Pump Road 0.2 miles south of W. Broad Street (U.S. 250).
This two-room schoolhouse opened in 1902. Its predecessor, Stand Spring School, had been destroyed by fire the previous year. The school was in use until 1911 offering seven grades of instruction. Wood stoves provided heat for the structure, and the . . . — — Map (db m9121) HM
On West Broad Street at Pouncey Tract Road, on the right when traveling west on West Broad Street.
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
On Richmond Airport Connector Road south of Seven Hills Boulevard, on the right when traveling south.
In April 1862, Union Gen. George B. McClellan began marching his huge Army of the Potomac west up the Peninsula between the James and York Rivers from Fort Monroe to Richmond, the Confederate capital. Gen. John B. Magruder’s forces delayed the . . . — — Map (db m54252) HM
On Darbytown Road 0.1 miles east of Yahley Mill Road, on the right when traveling east.
On 16 Aug. 1864, Federal infantry stormed Confederate earthworks nearby, in the Second Battle of Deep Bottom. The 39th Illinois helped lead the assault. Pvt. Henry M. Hardenbergh, of Bremen Township, the color bearer, served in Co. G, called the . . . — — Map (db m18504) HM
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) east of Laurel Hill Lane, on the right when traveling east.
(preface)
For almost ten months beginning in mid-June 1864, the Army of the Potomac besieged the cities of Petersburg and Richmond from the east and south. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant ordered the Union fortifications extended west of . . . — — Map (db m99455) HM
On New Market Road (Scenic State Highway 5) at Bypass Interstate 295, on the left when traveling east on New Market Road.
On 28 September 1864, elements of Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler’s Army of the James crossed the James River to assault the Confederate Defenses of Richmond. At dawn on 29 September, 6 regiments of U.S. Colored Troops fought with exceptional valor . . . — — Map (db m15692) HM
Near Osborne Turnpike north of Kingsland Road, on the right when traveling south.
(panel 1)
Curvy Course
Navigating the curving meanders of the river above Jamestown was tedious for boaters in John Smith’s day. Too difficult to sail, men had to row through long stretches known as the oxbows. Yet the colonists . . . — — Map (db m97344) HM
On Deep Bottom Road 0.3 miles east of James Street, on the left when traveling south.
Fourmile Creek flows into the slender oxbow of the James River here. Oxbows, successive curvatures in the river’s course, forced Smith and his men to row long distances on their exploratory trip upstream. Navigating the sharp turns was very . . . — — Map (db m24815) HM
On Richmond Airport Connector Road south of Seven Hills Boulevard, on the right when traveling south.
Nearby stood one of the outer Confederate defensive lines that guarded Richmond during the Civil War (1861-1865). A series of earthworks and fortifications was built to protect the city and to allow the outnumbered Confederates to make maximum use . . . — — Map (db m54251) HM
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) 0.7 miles east of Longbridge Road, on the right when traveling east.
On the night of 26-27 July 1864, a Union battle group led by Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock crossed the James River on pontoon bridges a mile south. Hancock intended to attack Confederate defenses below Richmond while the primary Federal force in . . . — — Map (db m24993) HM
On New Market Road (Route 5) 0.1 miles east of Varina Road, on the right when traveling east.
In 1611 John Rolfe became the first Englishman to cultivate tobacco nearby at Varina Farm, on the James River. Rolfe planted seeds bred in Varinas, Spain, and experimented with curing methods to produce a tobacco milder than the native variety. The . . . — — Map (db m16182) HM
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) at Battlefield Park Road, on the right when traveling east on New Market Road.
To the right of this road was Fort Gilmer, successfully defended against Federal assaults and held until the eve of the evacuation of Richmond. Kershaw's Division, the last Confederate infantry to leave the Richmond line, abandoned Fort Gilmer at 3 . . . — — Map (db m15108) HM
On Varina Road 1 mile south of Mill Road, on the right when traveling south.
Six hundred yards West of this road stood the Confederate Fort Harrison. It was stormed Sept. 29, 1864 after a surprise-attack by Federal troops and was held against counter attacks the next day. New Confederate defensive lines were drawn in rear of . . . — — Map (db m14230) HM
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) 0.1 miles east of Battlefield Park Road, on the right when traveling east.
Fort Harrison served as one of the principal works in Richmond's defenses during the Civil War. On 29 Sept. 1864, Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler's Army of the James launched a two-pronged attack against Richmond's defenses as Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant . . . — — Map (db m16181) HM
On Battlefield Park Road at Hoke Brady Road, on the right when traveling south on Battlefield Park Road.
After capturing Fort Harrison on September 29, 1864, Union General Edward O.C. Ord directed an attack southward down the Confederate line toward forts Hoke and Maury. If these Confederate defenses fell, the direct road to Richmond along the Osborne . . . — — Map (db m46915) HM
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) at Sunday Drive, on the right when traveling west on New Market Road.
The Baptist Church of Christ on Four Mile Creek was constituted at Clayton Springs on the 5th of August, 1781. In 1828, church members moved the meeting house four miles west to its present location. In the fall of 1864, Union troops occupied the . . . — — Map (db m24857) HM
Near Battlefield Park Road 0.1 miles south of Picnic Road.
By November 1864, several thousand African American soldiers, designated as United States Colored Troops or USCT, held Fort Harrison and the nearby earthworks. Many of these men had survived the bloody combat at New Market Heights, Fort Gilmer, and . . . — — Map (db m46914) HM
On Messer Road 0.2 miles south of Library Road, on the right when traveling south.
Irving L. Haggins, an African American, born in 1934, designed his one-of-a kind home in 1956. This self-taught architect and contractor built it in 1967. Inspired by modernist architect Frank Lloyd Wright's work, it combines unusual organic forms . . . — — Map (db m53975) HM
On Longbridge Road 0.1 miles north of Carters Mill Road, on the right when traveling north.
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
Near New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) at Interstate 295, on the left when traveling east.
In 1611, Sir Thomas Dale established the second English settlement in the Virginia Colony. Dale named the town Henrico in honor of Henry, Prince of Wales. In 1612, Virginia’s economy was transformed when John Rolfe introduced a new form of tobacco . . . — — Map (db m95893) HM
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) at Mill Road, on the right when traveling east on New Market Road.
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
On Messer Road 0.1 miles north of Library Road, on the right when traveling north.
John Rolfe emigrated from England to Virginia in 1610 and settled in what was to become Henrico County. In 1612 he imported tobacco seeds from Trinidad and cultivated a new strain of mild tobacco. He shipped part of his harvest to England in 1614, . . . — — Map (db m25010) HM
On Richmond Airport Connector Road south of Seven Hills Boulevard, on the right when traveling south.
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
Near Osborne Turnpike 0.3 miles north of Kingsland Road, on the right when traveling south.
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
On Farmers Circle Drive at New Market Road (Virginia Route 5), on the left when traveling north on Farmers Circle Drive.
(preface)
For almost ten months beginning in mid-June 1864, the Army of the Potomac besieged the cities of Petersburg and Richmond from the east and south. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant ordered the Union fortifications extended west of Petersburg . . . — — Map (db m160054) HM
On New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) at Strath Road, on the right when traveling east on New Market Road.
(preface)
For almost ten months beginning in mid-June 1864, the Army of the Potomac besieged the cities of Petersburg and Richmond from the east and south. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant ordered the Union fortifications extended west Petersburg and . . . — — Map (db m90633) HM
Near Osborne Turnpike 0.3 miles north of Kingsland Road, on the right when traveling south.
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
Near Osborne Turnpike 0.3 miles north of Kingsland Road, on the right when traveling south.
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 . . . — — Map (db m16336) HM
On Mill Road at Battlefield Park Road, on the right when traveling east on Mill Road.
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
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