kids encyclopedia robot

Doswell, Virginia facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Doswell, Virginia
Local businesses along US 1 in Doswell
Local businesses along US 1 in Doswell
Location of Doswell, Virginia
Named for Major Thomas Doswell
Population
 • Total 1,833
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
23047
Area code(s) 804

Doswell is an unincorporated community in Hanover County in the Central Region of the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia. Originally called Hanover Junction, it was located on the Virginia Central Railroad (later, part of the C&O) at a crossing of the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad, a north–south route. Both railroads are now owned by CSX Transportation, although the former Virginia Central line is leased to a short-line carrier, Buckingham Branch Railroad. The area near the Doswell train station is a popular train-watching site for railfans.

The name was changed to Doswell in the early 1890s in honor of Major Thomas Doswell (1823—90). The first Doswell in the area was James Doswell, a captain in the American Revolution.

Formerly consisting primarily of farmland, Doswell currently has many residents who commute to jobs in Richmond.

Attractions

Kings Dominion, a major amusement park that is owned by Cedar Fair, and Meadow Event Park, home of the Virginia State Fair, are located in the town. There are also several historic sites in the town, such as Church Quarter and Sharp's Oakland which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Notable people

  • Mittie Frances Clarke Point (1850-1937), dime novelist
  • Triple Crown champion Secretariat (horse) (born 1970)

Images for kids

kids search engine
Doswell, Virginia Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.