about virginia

Colonial Heights, Virginia covers nearly eight square miles of the prestigious Tri-Cities region and accounts for a portion of the massive Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).  Colonial Heights takes its name in honor of a Revolutionary War incident.  In 1781, General Marquis de Lafayette’s French troops, also called “Colonials”, constructed artillery camps on the heights above the City of Petersburg and the Appomattox River.  From that time forward, people referred to the area as Colonial Heights.

This is a small city (17,000 residents at Census 2000), located in the heart of Virginia.  In 1926 it was incorporated as a town, and in 1960 it became an independent city.  Although the Bureau of Economic Analysis includes Colonial Heights with Dinwiddie County for statistical purposes, the community maintains its independent status.  It is the home of Southpark Mall.

Citizens of Colonial Heights, VA enjoy a balance of cultural, educational and recreational opportunities.  Five public parks provide residents with athletic facilities, boat ramps, picnic shelters and playground equipment, while a Community Building and a public library afford meeting places for local civic clubs.  Baseball and softball games in the area generally take place at Shepherd Stadium, while baseball camps and tournaments also utilize this field. 

Colonial Heights lures history buffs to its lovely community on a regular basis.  Renowned as the nation’s oldest grist mill, Swift Creek Mill originated in approximately 1663.  The initial owner of this stately old mill was Henry Randolph I of England.  The mill changed hands several times, until in 1965 Warner J. Callahan Jr. and Dr. Louis Rubin purchased the building with plans to convert it into a dinner theater.  The first playhouse production took place in December 1965.  Today, the mill offers an elegant candlelight buffet to complement the highly popular shows.  Violet Bank is another popular historic stop.  Located at the end of Arlington Place, this one-story clapboard home served as headquarters for General Robert E. Lee during the Civil War.

Public celebrations throughout the year bring the community together.  The Fort Clifton Festival honors the regional significance of the Civil War  via exhibits, demonstrations and reenactments.  This family-friendly gathering takes place on Mother’s Day weekend every year.  Residents of this scenic region also have access to an enviable array of recreational options.  Richmond, Virginia’s historic capital city lies within a half-hour drive and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is also within driving distance.  In addition, residents enjoy easy access to the balmy sea breezes of the east coast beaches and all the recreational options afforded by the picturesque mountains nearby.

Colonial Heights Public Schools serves the community via three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school.  Facilities for higher learning in the region include John Tyler Community College, Richard Bland College of the College of William and Mary and Virginia State University.  Richmond also hosts a number of outstanding colleges and universities that lie within a reasonable driving distance of Colonial Heights.  These include Strayer University, the University of Richmond and the Virginia Commonwealth University.

Colonial Heights, Virginia remains a friendly community that captures the essence of independence.  This burgeoning town offers a base of employment opportunities and a pro-business atmosphere suitable for entrepreneurs.