Richmond Magazine....

THE NEIGHBORHOODS AND MANY OTHER

ATTRACTIONS OF HENRICO COUNTY:

PAST, PRESENT, AND PROGRESS

Mr. Rogers would like Henrico County. He would find the neighborhood that's just right. So have more than 225,000 other residents.

Henrico County is to metropolitan Richmond what Northern Virginia is to Washington, D.C. Its a major part of the metropolis, but it's somehow different than it's big city sister, acting as a buffer between the north and the south. That difference is what draws so many people to Henrico's diverse neighborhoods.

Whatever neighborhood and lifestyle you want, Henrico County has it. Be it big or small, inexpensive or exorbitant, historically old or brand new, conservative or progressive, or anything in between, Henrico has a house (and a neighborhood) for everyone.

These diverse houses and neighborhoods are surrounded by one of the nation's top counties. Henrico County is one of about a dozen counties in the U.S. with a AAA bond rating, providing a solid foundation for the people who live and work within its boundaries.

The strength of the county is also evident in the school system, the hospitals, the parks, and the roads and services. Henrico County has provided the first student project on the space shuttle, nationally-known healthcare, dozens of wide open spaces for relaxation, and is one of only two counties in the state that designs, constructs, and maintains its road system.

The people are drawn by its closeness to downtown Richmond, but there are also many big-time companies right in the county, like Reynolds Metals, Time-Life Books, Nabisco, AT&T, and many others. Many smaller companies round out the business opportunities in Henrico.

"We have top-notch services and moderate taxes--a good deal by any standards," says Virgil R. Hazelett, Henrico County Manager. "Henrico County is simply a great place to live, work, and play."

THE PAST

Henrico's neighborhoods of today are a reflection and a result of the neighborhoods of the past. It's a long history that many people may not attribute to a county that seems to be so new in so many ways.

In 1607, Captain Christopher Newport was the first English explorer to set foot in what was to become Henrico County. The area was occupied by the Arrohattoc Indians, a tribe ruled by Indian chief Powhatan.

The colony's second settlement (after Jamestown) was established on what is now Farrar's Island in 1611. Sir Thomas Dale called the settlement "Henricus," known as the Citie of Henrico. It was named for the Prince of Wales, Henry, who was the oldest son of King James I.

Henricus quickly grew into a small town, with three streets lined with frame houses, a church, stores, and watchtowers. This site can still be explored today, by taking I-95 or I-295 down to US 10 and then onto Old State Road and the Dutch Gap Boat Landing. It's a pretty and peaceful one mile hike into Henrico's very first neighborhood.

Colonist John Rolfe introduced a new strain of profitable tobacco (known as varina) to Virginia in 1612 and this led to a prosperous economy. Years of struggle with the Indians were temporarily resolved when Rolfe married Powhatan's daughter, Pocahontas.

In 1619, the colony of Virginia was divided into settlements and the city of Henrico sent representatives to Jamestown for the first General Assembly and the first representative government in a colony of Britain. Part of Henrico's settlement included 10,000 acres for the University of Henricus and what would have been America's first English university.

But the university and the original city of Henricus were not meant to be. In 1622, a major Indian attack forced survivors to abandon Henricus. After that attack, the colonists systematically fought the Indians, slowly forcing them to the west.

Virginia continued to grow and prosper and England took control of the colonies in 1624. The Old Dominion was divided into eight counties in 1634. Thus, Henrico County is one of the oldest political entities in the state and the U.S. The original boundaries included land from which ten other counties were later formed, as well as the cities of Richmond, Charlottesville, and Colonial Heights.

Henrico County was intimately involved in the evolution of Virginia. Residents like Henrico planter Nathaniel Bacon, Jr., representatives Richard Adams and Nathaniel Wilkenson, Governor Edmund Randolph, and future chief justice John Marshall all participated in the process that would eventually lead to U.S. independence.

Henrico County residents were also involved in many other historical events involving the state and the U.S. There were several major Civil War battles fought in Henrico and many of the sites can be toured today.

The Richmond National Battlefield Park features a 97-mile tour through three counties, including the excellent visitor center and remains at Fort Harrison, a Confederate stronghold until the fall of 1864. Other Henrico County forts on the tour include Brady, Hoke, Gregg, and Johnson.

Henrico has more Civil War battlefields than any other county in the U.S. and there are Civil War reminders throughout the county, including Robert E. Lee's headquarters at Dabbs House (now a police precinct), the Yellow Tavern Battlefield, the J.E.B. Stuart Monument where the general was mortally wounded, the Malvern Hill battlefield, and New Market Heights, where fourteen Medals of Honor were awarded to African American troops. Many of these once-noisy spots are now surrounded by quiet Henrico County neighborhoods.

After the Civil War, education played a major role in the reconstruction of the county. Richmond native Virginia Estelle Randolph was a legendary figure in the leadership role Henrico County played in education.

The third of four children of slave parents, Miss Randolph graduated from Richmond Normal School, which is now known as Armstrong High School. She secured a teaching position with Henrico County and opened the Old Mountain Road School in 1892.

Miss Randolph was named the first Jeanes Supervisor Industrial Teacher in 1908. On March 30th of that year, she conducted Virginia's first Arbor Day Program, helping students plant twelve sycamore trees in the names of the twelve disciples. Ten of these original trees still remain standing and the other two were replaced by the Henrico County Bicentennial Commission in 1977.

Miss Randolph died in 1958, but her influence lives on in schools throughout Henrico County. The Virginia Randolph Home Economics Cottage was dedicated as a museum in her memory in 1970. It contains many of her personal possessions and memorabilia from her time as an educator and resident of Henrico County. She is buried at the site.

Exactly 300 years after becoming the colony's second settlement, Henrico became the only county in the state to adopt the county manager form of government and keep it in place. Through planned growth and renowned management, Henrico County has become a thriving commercial and residential area.

Today's Henrico County is as lively and successful as its past. The county now borders the city of Richmond on the west, north, and east, lying between the James and Chickahominy rivers. By most measures, it constitutes about one-third of the Richmond metropolitan area.

THE PRESENT

Henrico County has many destinations of historical interest, but many people head for Henrico County for business and personal reasons. From the airport to many thriving businesses throughout the county, business is booming in Henrico County.

But personal reasons also draw people to the county. As a tour of the neighborhoods shows, people simply love living here.

Because of Henrico's history, a variety of neighborhoods has developed throughout the county. Each has its own flavor, people, and places.

In Henrico County, Virginia: A Photographic Celebration, writer Moira Saucer says, "Within the 245 square miles of Henrico County, there is a dwelling to suit every dream. Or a willing builder to construct one."

Henrico is made up of five distinct magisterial districts, all with neighborhoods of people pursuing their dreams. From the west, the districts are Tuckahoe, Three Chopt, Brookland, Fairfield, and Varina. From elegant River Road in Tuckahoe all the way to the quiet countryside of Varina, all of the magisterial districts boast their own brands of varied neighborhoods.

The area south of I-64 in western Henrico has a broad mix of neighborhoods, services, commercialism, and rural regions. Along with many new or established single-family neighborhoods, you'll also find many apartment complexes and townhouses.

Ranging from $75,000 to more than $1 million, there's a house and a subdivision for everyone. Some popular new choices include The Colonies, Riverlake Colony, Millhaven, Foxhall, Burgundy Parke, Granville South, Foxfield, Gayton Station, Church Run, and Gayton Ridge. Wellesley is a popular choice with those who like planned communities.

The area also includes nationally-known hospitals like Henrico Doctors' Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital. Residents can shop until they drop at The Shops at Willow Lawn or Regency Square. They can also play for the day at Cheswick Park, Deep Run Park, or Short Pump Park (near what was once known as "Downtown Short Pump.").

The area between I-64 and I-95 inside Parham Road provides similar variety for residents, as well as the efficient Henrico County Government Center and many businesses.

US 1 runs into the city from many popular north side neighborhoods, past many small family-owned businesses regularly frequented by Henrico County residents. The Amtrak Station on Staples Mill Road makes it easy to come home again, while places like the Belmont Golf Course and Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens at Bloemendaal Farm make it more enjoyable to stay.

Out past Parham Road, the region between the interstates is the fastest-growing area north of the James River. Much of this growth is due to Innsbrook, the mixed-use development with much corporate and residential success and potential. Neighborhoods include The Cedars, The Woods, The Forest, The Village, Deer Springs, Dove Hollow, Quail Walk, Castle Point, Tall Oaks, Millstone, Chickahominy Branch, and sparkling Wyndham.

When they're not at home, happy residents can find almost anything they need on Broad Street, ranging from small stores and services to a host of mega-stores. Other area amenities include Healthsouth Medical Center, the Laurel Recreation Area and Skateboard Park, the Glen Allen Softball Complex, and lots of history at the Virginia Randolph Museum, the Yellow Tavern Battlefield, and the J.E.B. Stuart Monument, all out near I-95 and I-295.

If you want to see what Henrico County neighborhoods looked like in the 19th century, head for Meadow Farm Museum. One of the last-remaining period farms in the county, Meadow Farm is now an 1860 living historical farm focusing on middle-class rural life just before the Civil War. Costumed interpreters provide insights into the lives of the Sheppard family through daily and seasonal activities, workshops, special events, and living history programs. It's a great destination for Henrico County residents.

East of I-95 is a completely different Henrico County, loved by all those who visit or live there. Eastern Henrico is known for the Richmond International Airport, but there is much more to this area than convenient flights.

Highland Springs and Sandston offer a small town feel, reasonable real estate prices, and local shopping and businesses. Other newer neighborhoods include Crown Colony, Varina Chase, White Oak Bridge, and Wynfield.

The pretty countryside offers many recreational opportunities, including Glenwood Golf Course, Confederate Hills Golf Course, Klehr Field, Vawter Street Park and Glen Lea Recreation Area, Dorey Park, McGeorge Field, Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium, Highland Springs Recreation Area, Robinson Park, and Deep Bottom Boat Landing along the James River. Big-time enjoyment can be found at the Fairgrounds at Strawberry Hill and the nationally-known Richmond International Raceway.

Fairfield Commons is a convenient place to shop and all of the new businesses in the region are giving residents the buying power. To the south, the Varina-Enon Bridge conveniently connects east Henrico County with Chesterfield County, spanning the James River, where pretty Henrico County estates and farms line the banks, including that of country singer and sausage king Jimmy Dean.

THE PROGRESS

From east to west, Henrico County has grown from an historic past to a thriving present. The progress into the future will be just as exciting for residents. It's simply a great time to live in an Henrico County neighborhood.

Great neighborhoods and facilities are only two parts of the equation. People are the third part and Henrico County already has many happy residents and welcomes more daily. It's progress the county is only too willing to share.

Lynn Seldon is a local travel writer and photographer. His recent book, Country Roads of Virginia, was recently published by Country Roads Press.