Trip Idea

History Up Close Near Richmond, Virginia

Multiple Parks

A longhouse structure recreated at Henricus museum.
Duration Multiple Days
Topic(s) Fish, Colonization and Settlement, Explorers and Expeditions, Forests and Woodlands, Deciduous Forests,
Activities Paddling, Living History, Museum Exhibits
Type Kid Friendly, Educational, Indoors, Outdoors, Road Trip,
Parks Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, Chesapeake Bay

Richmond, Virginia is located on the "fall line" of the James River. In other words, it is where the higher elevation "Piedmont" region drops in elevation to become the "Coastal Plain." Prior to English colonization, the coastal area to the East of this line was known as Tsenacomoco, or "densly populated place" in the Virginia Algonquian language.

Numerous Algonquian-speaking Tribes lived here and were the first groups to interact with early English settlers of the Jamestown colony. To the West of the fall line were groups of Indigenous peoples who spoke Siouan languages. They traded with the Tidewater Algonquian groups using the James River as a "highway" for travel by dugout canoe.

Henricus, located near where Richmond stands today, was an early English town constructed three years after the establishment of Jamestown. It was here that the Virginia Company of London began to expand, eventually laying the groundwork for the displacement of Indigenous peoples and success of the new English colony.

In the centuries since, the James River has changed dramatically while maintaining its essential character. Serving as a shipping route for various industries, Richmond developed into a prosperous town. By visiting the sites below, peak into Richmond's early history and development over time.
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Paddling
    • Pets: Yes
    • Location: Dutch Gap Conservation Area
    • Duration: 2 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A rusty old metal ship with a large letter D sits half sunk in a waterway.

    Dutch Gap Conservation Area is a wooded area in Chesterfield County, Virginia that surrounds Henricus, the second successful English settlement in Virginia. Paddle the Lagoon Water Trail to view abandoned barges, relics of the river's industrial past.

    View Details
  • Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

    See Inside a Longhouse at Henricus Historical Park

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Living History
    • Pets: Yes
    • Location: Henricus Historical Park
    • Duration: 1 Hour
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A Native American longhouse sitting in a grassy area under trees.

    The town of Henricus was built by the English a few years after the establishment of Jamestown. The area was formerly occupied by the Arrohateck people, who were displaced by English arrival. At Henricus Historical Park, tour a recreated Arrohateck village and learn about the well-known indigenous people, such as Pocahontas, who came to Henricus.

    View Details
  • Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

    Tour Tribal Museums Near Richmond

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: Yes
    • Activity: Museum Exhibits
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    The exterior of the Pamunkey Indian Museum.

    The Pamunkey Indian Museum is the museum of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and is located on the tribe's reservation in coastal Virginia. On display are objects that showcase the tribe's history, artistic traditions, and role in historical events.

    View Details

Last updated: August 9, 2024