Chesterfield County Tourism

Step into history, enjoy nature's tranquility

1611 Citie of Henricus - Henricus Historical Park

The 1611 Citie of Henricus, from which Chesterfield evolved, is located on a bluff overlooking one of the most scenic areas of the James River.

Here, Sir Thomas Dale, following instructions from the London Company to find a more suitable location for a colony than the Jamestown site, led 350 settlers in the building of Virginia’s second permanent English settlement in the New World.

The location was described as "convenient, strong, healthie and a sweete seate to plant a new Towne in." The 1611 Citie of Henricus flourished. From it arose many new beginnings. What transpired had an unprecedented impact on the growth and destiny of America.

It was here that Pocahontas resided at Rock Hall, the home of the Rev. Alexander Whitaker, converted to Christianity and was courted by John Rolfe. The Citie’s history also boasts the first private ownership of land and the development of the American system of free enterprise. It was at Henricus that tobacco crops were first grown and cultivated for sale in Europe and where the large self-sustaining plantations, for which Virginia is famous, found their beginnings. In addition, the first university was chartered; the first hospital, Mt. Malady, was built and operated; and the industries of ironworks and brick making were first successfully practiced in the New World.

The Citie is being reconstructed. A partial reconstruction with a watch tower, bake house, gardens and part of a palisade now is open to the public. A visitor’s center with a gift shop also is open. Visitors can watch a "living history" unfold before their eyes. Interpreters wearing period clothing reenact life from four centuries ago as they tend gardens, establish dwellings and guard the Citie. Many special events, for which a small fee is charged, are planned on weekends.  Citie of Henricus and Henricus Historical Park, operated by the Henricus Foundation

Citie of Henricus Special Events

Directions From I-95 north or south, Exit 61A
East on Rt. 10 to first stoplight
North on Rt. 732 to Rt. 615
Right on Rt. 615 to Henricus Road

Park open daily 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Vistors Center open daily 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Park hours subject to change. Please call (804) 706-1340.

Adults: $6.00
Seniors 62 and above: $5.00
Children 3-12: $4.00
2 and under free
Members are free
Residents of Henrico and Chesterfield $1.00 off regular price
Telephone (804) 706-1340