Chesterfield County was founded on May 25, 1749, by the House of Burgesses.  It was carved from Henrico County to eliminate lengthy travel by residents from the southern area to the Courthouse for business and court proceedings.

The historic James River borders the county on the northeast and the Appomattox River forms the county's southern boundary. 

Chesterfield County received its name from the Fourth Earl of Stanhope, England's famed Lord Chesterfield. 

Chesterfield was first settled in 1611 at the Citie of Henricus , when residents of Jamestown moved upstream to a "convenient, strong, healthie and sweete seate" for a new town after conditions at Jamestown were too harsh.

The county's rich history includes many historic "firsts," such as:

1611 -- Citie of Henricus was established as the second permanent English
           settlement in the new work
1612 -- Tobacco was first cultivated in America at Bermuda Hundred
1614 - -Bermuda Hundred was the first incorporated town in America
1619 -- Falling Creek was the first iron furnace in the New World
1622 -- Mount Malady, near Dutch gap, was the site of the first American hospital
1709 -- Midlothian produced the first commercially mined coal in America
1807 -- Midlothian Turnpike was the first paved road in Virginia
1831 -- The Midlothian to Manchester Railroad was the first in Virginia
 

photo by Angela Wilderman

The Chesterfield Museum is a reproduction of the colonial courthouse of 1750. Its collections tell the history of Chesterfield County from prehistoric times through the 20th century. Exhibits include early Indian culture, artifacts from the first iron and coal mines in America, which were in Chesterfield County, early household and farming tools, a country store of the late 19th century, and Fire Department memorabilia. 

Chesterfield also was the staging ground for some of the most dramatic events of the Civil War.

In early May 1864, Union Gen. Benjamin Butler landed his Army of the James in Chesterfield County, between Richmond and Petersburg, and threatened both cities in his drive west from landings between the James and Appomattox Rivers. Confederates under Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard blocked him. Within weeks, Butler was trapped between the two rivers and remained there until Petersburg was evacuated in April 1865.

The fort at Drewry's Bluff was built in the spring of 1862 to defend the James River against the Union navy. It now is part of Richmond National Battlefield Park. 7600 Fort Darling Road, 804-226-1981, Open from sunrise to sunset.

Confederate forces conter-attacked from Fort Stevens during the Second Battle of Drewry's Bluff on May 16, 1864, in what became the turning point of the Campaign. 8900 Pams Avenue 804-751-4664. Open from sunrise to sunset.

Battery Dantzler was constructed at the northern end of the Howlett Line in May 1864 to stop Union naval forces from advancing up the James River. Union forces tried to evade the battery by digging Dutch Gap Canal. 804-751-4664. Open from sunrise to sunset.

Union troops began digging the Dutch Gap Canal in 1864 to bypass a bend in the James River dominated by Confederate forts. The effort failed, but the canal was later completed and now is the main channel of the James River. Henricus Historical Park, 804-706-1340.

About 30,000 men under the command of Gen. Benjamin Butler landed at Bermuda Hundred on May 5, 1864, and spent 15 days trying to capture Petersburg and Richmond. Take Rt. 10 to Allied Road, turn right to the James River.

Point of Rocks anchored the Union line on the Appomattox River. The site included a supply depot, hospital, and circular cemetery. Take Rt. 10 to Enon Church Road 804-0748-1623.

The Howlett Line was established here and continued to the James River. Confederate earthworks were a major deterrent to the Union forces during the last year of the Civil War.

Fort Wead was constructed in June 1864 at the rear of the Union lines in an effort to keep Confederate forces from advancing in the event the lines were captured. It was never used for this purpose. 1107 Greyledge Blvd. 804-751-4664. Open from sunrise to sunset.

Parker's Battery , now a Richmond National Battlefield Park site, was part of the Confederate defense line that trapped Butler in 1864-65. 1801 Ware Bottom Spring Road. 804-226-1981.

Lee's Retreat includes the route across the Ettrick Cotton Factory Bridge along River Road in Chesterfield County that General Robert E. Lee took when he was cut off from the western route by Generals Pickett and Rosser. Lee was served lunch by Cloverhill Plantation owner, Judge Cox, as recorded by the judge's daughter, Kate Cox Logan, in her book, "My Confederate Girlhood." Private residence: not open to the public. 

Today Chesterfield County is a collection of thriving communities of every variety and a growing population. Whether you?re looking for a rural atmosphere close to town or a planned community in the suburbs, Chesterfield is definitely a prime candidate.

The different areas of Chesterfield are Bon Air, Chester, Midlothian, Chesterfield, Ettrick and Skinquarter.

In September of 2005 the Alliance for Youth announced that Chesterfield County is a winner of a first-ever national competition to identify 100 Best Communities for Young People.

The winning communities ? ranging from small towns to urban neighborhoods across America ? are being celebrated for their commitment to provide healthy, safe and caring environments for young people.

America?s Promise is a broad-based alliance whose members work together to ensure the well-being of children and youth. Alliance partners focus attention and resources to help every child receive the Five Promises essential to success: caring adults who are actively involved in their lives; safe places in which to learn and grow; a healthy start toward adulthood; an effective education that builds marketable skills; and opportunities to help others.

Founded by retired General Colin L. Powell, following the Presidents? Summit for America?s Future in 1997, the America?s Promise Alliance includes nonprofit, corporate and community groups as well as individuals across the nation. Alma J. Powell currently serves as chair.