Manchester, Richmond, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Manchester
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Former Independent City
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Manchester as it looks today within Richmond
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| Country | United States of America |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Chesterfield (to 1874); Independent (1874–1910) |
| Incorporated (town) | 1769 |
| Incorporated (city) | 1874 |
| Merged with Richmond | 1910 |
| Named for | Manchester, England |
Manchester was once an independent city in Virginia, United States. Before it became its own city, it was the main town, or county seat, for Chesterfield County from 1870 to 1876. Today, Manchester is a part of the larger city of Richmond, Virginia.
Manchester was first known as Manastoh and later as Rocky Ridge. It was located on the south side of the James River, right across from Richmond. This spot was important because it was at the "fall line," where the river's calm waters meet rapids. Manchester was a busy port city. It shipped out goods like tobacco and coal. The coal came from mines about 13 miles away in Midlothian. It was brought to Manchester using Virginia's first paved toll road (built in 1807) and the state's first railroad (built in 1831). Manchester became an official town in 1769 and an independent city in 1874. In 1910, it joined with Richmond, becoming the first independent city in Virginia to merge with another city.
Today, the area known as "Old Manchester" is a neighborhood within Richmond. You can still see many signs of its past, like the old courthouse, the Hull Street business area, historic houses, and old railroad buildings. There's also a "slave trail" that shows the historic route into the downtown area from the river, highlighting the community's African American heritage. Several major highways, including Interstate 95 and U.S. Routes 1, 60, 301, and 360, cross the James River from Manchester into downtown Richmond.
Contents
Manchester: A Historic River City
Manchester has a long history, starting as a small settlement and growing into an important city.
From Fort to Town
In 1645, after a conflict called the Second Anglo-Powhatan War, the Virginia Colony decided to build a fort to protect its frontier. This fort, called Fort Charles, was first built at the Falls of the James River. Two years later, it was moved to the south side of the river, to a place called Manastoh by the native people. The English later renamed this area Rocky Ridge. In 1769, Rocky Ridge became an official town and was named Manchester.
A Busy Seaport and Trade Hub
Manchester became a major seaport from the 1600s to the 1800s, just like Richmond across the river. Both cities were located at the "head of navigation" on the James River. This means they were as far upriver as large ships could easily travel before hitting rapids.
Before the American Revolutionary War, Manchester was known for its tobacco businesses. It was also a significant port for trade, including the arrival of enslaved people. The city's success came from its busy docks and mills that processed agricultural goods.
Early Transportation: Roads and Rails
Coal from the Midlothian area, about 13 miles west, was very important to Manchester's economy. It was brought to the docks in Manchester in a few ways:
- Manchester Turnpike: Completed in 1807, this was Virginia's first long, graveled toll road. People paid a fee to use it.
- Chesterfield Railroad: Starting in 1831, this was Virginia's very first railroad. It used gravity and mules to move coal. This railroad helped reduce traffic on the turnpike.
Later, in 1851, a new railroad called the Richmond and Danville Railroad was built. It connected Manchester to Midlothian. The older Chesterfield Railroad couldn't compete and was eventually taken apart before the Civil War.
Manchester as a County Seat
For a short time during the period known as Reconstruction, Manchester served as the county seat for Chesterfield County. This lasted from 1870 to 1876.
County voters decided to move the county seat from Chesterfield Court House, Virginia to Manchester. The new courthouse in Manchester began construction on March 31, 1871. It was designed by an architect from Richmond named A.L. West. Today, this old courthouse building on Hull Street is used by the Richmond City courts.
In 1874, Manchester became an independent city. This meant it was no longer officially part of Chesterfield County. Voters in the county were asked again if they wanted to move the county seat, but they voted against it. However, in 1876, voters approved moving the county seat back to Chesterfield Courthouse. This change became official on July 1, 1876.
Joining Forces with Richmond
For over 250 years, the James River separated Richmond on its north bank from Manchester on its south bank. A big challenge for people in both cities was crossing the river. They used toll ferries and toll bridges, which were often damaged by ice or floods.
For more than 35 years, leaders from Manchester and Richmond discussed joining the two cities. Finally, in 1910, Manchester agreed to merge with the much larger City of Richmond. Richmond's name was used for the combined area because it was the state capital.
Two important parts of the merger agreement were:
- A free bridge would be built across the James River.
- The separate courthouse in Manchester would continue to be used.
After the merger, the James River, which used to divide the cities, became a central feature of the expanded Richmond.
Today, Manchester is recognized as a historic district. Even though it's no longer an independent city, you can still find its legacy in places like the Manchester Bridge, the Manchester Slave Trail, and the Manchester Courthouse. Manchester and other areas of Richmond south of the James River are often called "South Richmond" or "South Side."
Manchester Today: Industry and Neighborhoods
Even after becoming part of Richmond, Manchester continued to be an important industrial area in the 1900s.
Industrial Growth
Manchester had its own major train station, Hull Street Station, built in 1901. This was the only large train depot on the south side of the James River. The skyline of Manchester is still dominated by the tall silos of the Southern States Cooperative, which are the tallest buildings south of the river.
Homes and Businesses
The Manchester Residential and Commercial Historic District is located on the south side of the James River in Richmond. It is connected to Richmond's financial district by several bridges, including the Lee, Mayo, and Manchester bridges. In the 1800s, Manchester, along with Richmond, became a major port and business center for the eastern United States and beyond. Manchester officially became a city in 1874 and was the main town for Chesterfield County. In 1910, Richmond officially took over Manchester.
Images for kids
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The historic Manchester Courthouse, built in 1871.
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Hull Street Station, built in 1901.
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The Mechanics and Merchants Bank building in Manchester.
