National Register Listings in
Richmond County, Virginia

The first successful English attempt to establish a colony in North America was made by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1584 on Roanoke Island, off the coast of Virginia.

About Richmond County

Richmond County, Virginia, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Powhatan Confederacy. English settlers arrived in the early 17th century, establishing Virginia as one of the original thirteen colonies. In 1692, Richmond County was formally established and named after Charles Lennox, Duke of Richmond, who was a friend of Governor Edmund Andros.

During the colonial period, Richmond County played a significant role in the tobacco economy that fueled Virginia's growth. Large plantations emerged, with enslaved Africans being brought to the area to work the labor-intensive crops. The county's location along the Rappahannock River also made it an important shipping and trading hub, connecting the region to international markets.

As the American Revolution unfolded, Richmond County residents were divided in their loyalties. Some supported the Patriot cause and joined the Continental Army, while others remained loyal to the British Crown. The county saw several skirmishes and military actions during the war, including the Battle of Totopotomoy Creek in 1781.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Richmond County experienced significant changes. The decline of the tobacco economy and the gradual abolition of slavery led to a shift towards other agricultural products. Manufacturing and industry also began to play a role in the county's economy. The Civil War and Reconstruction era brought further challenges, and Richmond County, like much of the South, experienced economic hardships and social upheaval. Despite these challenges, the resilient community of Richmond County continued to evolve and adapt, shaping the vibrant and diverse region that exists today.

Richmond County Timeline

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Richmond County, Virginia.

1608 - Captain John Smith explores the area and encounters Native American tribes.
1682 - Richmond County is established as part of the new English colony of Virginia.
1692 - The county seat is established in what is now Warsaw.
1705 - The colonial government designates Richmond County as one of the original eight shires in Virginia.
1742 - Stratford Hall, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee, is completed in Westmoreland County, which was a part of Richmond County at the time.
1763 - Richmond County is divided, with a section becoming a separate county called Westmoreland.
1830 - The Richmond County Courthouse, now a historic landmark, is built in Warsaw.
1861-1865 - Richmond County, like much of Virginia, is deeply impacted by the American Civil War as it serves as a major battleground.
1875 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway begins passenger and freight service in Richmond County.
1929 - The Robert O. Norris Bridge is completed, connecting Richmond County to neighboring Lancaster County.
1988 - Stratford Hall is designated a National Historic Landmark.

National Register Listings in Richmond County, Virginia

National Register Listings in
Richmond County, Virginia