Chula, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chula, Virginia
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 Chula, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Chula, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Amelia |
| Elevation | 289 ft (88 m) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
23002
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| Area code(s) | 804 |
| FIPS code | 51/16656 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1492767 |
Chula is a quiet, mostly rural community. It is located in the northeastern part of Amelia County, in the U.S. state of Virginia. You can find it just west of the Appomattox River.
The heart of Chula is where two roads meet: Lodore Road (also known as SR 636) and Old Chula Road (SR 740). A nearby fire station, Amelia County Volunteer Fire Department Station 4, helps keep the area safe. The closest post office is about 7 miles away in Amelia Court House.
Contents
Discovering Chula's Past
What Does "Chula" Mean?
The name "Chula" probably came from a Native American word. This word meant "fox" or "red fox."
Early Days and the Railroad
Chula began around the 1850s. It became a stop on a new railroad line that connected to the state capital. Before 1850, maps of Amelia County didn't show Chula.
However, a post office called "Chula Depot" opened in 1857. By 1860, maps showed Chula as a stop on the new Richmond and Danville Railroad. Even into the 20th century, people sometimes called it "Chula Depot" or "Chula Station."
The Chula post office closed in 1955. It had been run by the same postmaster for almost 40 years. It was the second-largest post office in Amelia County at the time. Today, the railroad tracks are still used, but only by freight trains. The tracks cross Route 636 right in the middle of Chula. The Norfolk Southern Railway now owns these tracks.
Chula During the Civil War
During the Civil War, railroads were super important. They helped move supplies for the Confederate side. Because of this, the Union forces tried to destroy them.
In 1864, Union general August Kautz led cavalry raids against the Richmond and Danville Railroad. His troops destroyed Chula Depot on March 13, but it was later rebuilt. On May 14, Confederate soldiers fought Kautz's forces. This battle happened at Flat Creek Bridge, just north of Chula.
Tornadoes in the Area
Amelia County is in a part of Central Virginia where tornadoes can happen. Many tornadoes have touched down in the area. For example, on April 30, 1924, a tornado passed near Chula. It caused damage as it traveled from Jetersville.
Chula School's Story
Until the mid-1900s, Chula School was an important place. It provided education for African American children in Amelia County. This was before schools were desegregated, meaning Black and white students could attend the same schools. The historic Chula School building was located about 2 miles south of town. It stood on what is now Chula School Road (SR 683).
Historic Places to See
Several historic places around Chula are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are important sites that help us understand the past. Some of these include:
- Dykeland plantation
- Egglestetton plantation
- Grub Hill Church
- The Wigwam
