In 1999, Chesterfield County completed a year-long observance of the 250th
anniversary of its formation on May 25, 1749. To continue providing information
regarding the county's proud heritage and the many valuable contributions
it has made to the growth of our nation, this site provides articles regarding
the county's history.
| 1607 |
|
Sir Christopher Newport explored the James and Appomattox Rivers
along the Chesterfield borders five days before the Jamestown was
settled |
| 1612 |
|
Tobacco was first cultivated scientifically in America at Bermuda
Hundred by John Rolfe. |
| 1614 |
|
Bermuda Hundred was incorporated as the first town in America. |
| 1619 |
|
Falling Creek was the site of the first iron furnace in the New
World. |
| 1621 |
|
Falling Creek was the site of the first lead mines in America. |
| 1622 |
|
Mount Malady near Dutch Gap was the site of the first American hospital. |
| 1709 |
|
Midlothian produced the first commercially mined coal in America. |
| 1795 |
|
Bosher's Dam near Bon Air was the first large multipurpose dam in
Virginia. |
| 1807 |
|
Midlothian Turnpike was the first paved road in Virginia. |
| 1811 |
|
The first commercial tramway in America, the predecessor of the
railroads, was operated from the Brown, Page and Burr gunpowder plant
on Falling Creek to its storage magazine a mile away. |
| 1812 |
|
The first school for deaf mutes in the United States was located
at Cobbs on the lower Appomattox. |
| 1831 |
|
The Midlothian to Manchester Railroad was the first in Virginia. |
| 1921 |
|
Father's day was originated by three lady's from Drewry's Bluff. |
| 1934 |
|
The first wayside park in Virginia featured the Old Stone Bridge
over Falling Creek, completed in 1826. |
