Colonial Heights is a city in Virginia, a state in the United States. It's called an independent city because it doesn't belong to any county. In 2020, about 18,170 people lived there.

Colonial Heights is part of the Tri-Cities area near Richmond. This whole area is sometimes called the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History of Colonial Heights

Early Days and Native Americans

Long ago, the land where Colonial Heights now stands was home to the Algonquian-speaking people. They were part of a large group called Tenakomakah, led by Chief Powhatan. When English colonists arrived in Jamestown in 1607, this area was the main town of the Appamattuck tribe.

After some conflicts in the 1600s, the Appamattuck people moved to nearby Ettrick.

First English Settlers

In 1619, the Virginia Colony was divided into large areas, and Colonial Heights became part of "Henrico Cittie". English settlers first came to this area in 1620. They sailed up the Appomattox River and found clear land where Swift Creek meets the Appomattox. They named this spot Conjurer's Neck. It was named after a Native American healer who was believed to cast spells over the water.

In 1634, the Virginia Colony was divided into 8 shires, and Colonial Heights became part of Henrico County. A small English town called Appamattucks was built around 1635.

Old Brick House and Plantations

One of the oldest buildings in Colonial Heights is the Old Brick House. It was built between 1677 and 1685 by Richard Kennon. His family was connected to important early colonists, including Pocahontas through her granddaughter, Jane Rolfe. The house was damaged by fire in 1879, but one wall survived, and the house was rebuilt.

In 1749, the area south of the James River, including what would become Colonial Heights, was separated from Henrico County. It became part of Chesterfield County.

How Colonial Heights Got Its Name

The name "Colonial Heights" comes from the American Revolutionary War. In May 1781, American troops led by General Marquis de Lafayette set up their cannons on the hills overlooking Petersburg. Petersburg was occupied by British soldiers at the time.

Legend says a British soldier saw Lafayette's troops and shouted, "Look! There are the Colonials, up on the Heights!" From then on, the area became known as "Colonial Heights." The name was officially given to a part of the area in 1906.

A historic spot called Oak Hill was where General Lafayette shelled Petersburg during the war.

Civil War and Growth

During the American Civil War, Colonial Heights was also important. General Robert E. Lee had his headquarters at Violet Bank for several months in 1864 during the Siege of Petersburg.

In 1926, Colonial Heights became an official town within Chesterfield County. Later, in 1948, it became an independent city. This meant it was no longer part of Chesterfield County. From 1960 to 1970, the city grew very quickly.

Modern Development and Tornadoes

In the mid-1980s, new roads and a bridge were built, opening up land for new businesses. This led to the creation of the Southpark Mall and many other stores and offices.

Colonial Heights has experienced tornadoes. On August 6, 1993, a very strong tornado caused a lot of damage to the Southpark Mall and other buildings. It also affected nearby cities. On April 28, 2008, a smaller tornado caused damage to roofs and flipped cars in a shopping center.

Historical Attractions

Colonial Heights has several interesting historical places. These include Violet Bank, Swift Creek Mill, and the world's largest Arby's restaurant. There are also parks like Fort Clifton Park, Dimmock Boat Landing, and White Bank Park.

Geography

Colonial Heights is about 95 feet above sea level. It covers about 7.8 square miles, with most of it being land and a small part being water.

The city is located just north of the Appomattox River. It is mostly surrounded by Chesterfield County, except for its southern border with Petersburg. Swift Creek also forms part of the border with Chesterfield County.

Neighboring Areas

Chesterfield County, Virginia – to the west, north, and southeast
Petersburg, Virginia – to the south
Prince George County, Virginia – to the east
Hopewell, Virginia – to the north

Population Information

Colonial Heights has grown steadily over the years.

In 1930, there were 2,331 people.
By 1970, the population had jumped to 15,097.
In 2020, the population was 18,170.

Most people living in Colonial Heights are White, but there are also many Black or African American residents, as well as Asian, Native American, and people of mixed races. A growing number of residents are of Hispanic or Latino background.

In 2012, about 88.3% of adults over 25 had a high school diploma. About 20.7% had a bachelor's degree or higher.

In 2000, the average household had 2.37 people, and the average family had 2.88 people. The median age in the city was 40 years old.

Major Roads

You can get to Colonial Heights using several major highways:

I-95
US 1
US 301
SR 144

In 2017, a new roundabout was added off the I-95 exit to help with traffic.

Economy

In 2013, the unemployment rate in Colonial Heights was 8.1%.

Top Employers

Here are some of the biggest employers in Colonial Heights:

Walmart
Colonial Heights Public Schools
City of Colonial Heights
Care Advantage
Publix Nc Employee Services, LLC
Colonial Heights Rehab & Nursing
The Home Depot
Red Lobster & Olive Garden
Chick-Fil-A at Southpark
Texas Roadhouse

Education

Schools in Colonial Heights

The city has its own school system, Colonial Heights Public Schools.

There are three elementary schools: Lakeview Elementary, North Elementary, and Tussing Elementary.
There is one middle school: Colonial Heights Middle School.
There is one high school: Colonial Heights High School.

All these schools are approved by the Virginia Board of Education.

Colleges and Universities Nearby

Students in the area can attend three colleges:

Virginia State University
Richard Bland College
Brightpoint Community College

Parks and Recreation

Colonial Heights has nine parks covering 75 acres. The city also takes care of sports fields, a soccer complex, and tennis courts.

White Bank Park is a large park next to Swift Creek, with pavilions for events.
Floral Avenue Park has basketball courts and playgrounds.
Edinborough Park offers basketball courts, picnic tables, and playground equipment.
Flora Hill Park has open grassy areas, trails, and playgrounds.
Appamattuck Park is located along the Appomattox River, near the Petersburg border.
Fort Clifton Park is a 24-acre historical park along the Appomattox River. It has an amphitheater, ballfields, basketball courts, a fishing pier, playgrounds, and trails. Local schools often use this park.
Lakeview Park has playgrounds, trails, picnic tables, and a boat ramp for fishing.
Roslyn Landing Park is mainly for walking and biking trails along the Appomattox River.

Climate

Colonial Heights has a humid subtropical climate. This means summers are hot and humid, while winters are moderately cold. The coldest months are December to February, with an average temperature of about 37.9 degrees Fahrenheit in January. The hottest months are June through August, with an average temperature of about 79.3 degrees Fahrenheit in July. The city gets about 43.6 inches of rain each year. August usually has the most rain, and February has the least.

Media

Colonial Heights has a free weekly newspaper called the Colonial Heights Patriot. The area is also served by a daily newspaper called The Progress-Index.

Notable People

Gray Gaulding – a NASCAR driver
The Unipiper – Brian Kidd, an Internet Celebrity
Kirk Cox – a former Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates
Olavo de Carvalho – a Brazilian Philosopher and Professor

Images for kids

Colonial Heights Middle School
Fort Clifton Park

Colonial Heights, Virginia facts for kids

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