Warwick, Virginia (Chesterfield County) facts for kids

Warwick was an old port town in Chesterfield County, Virginia. It was located on the James River, near what is now Richmond, Virginia. Warwick was important because many ships could travel up the river only as far as this town. It was a busy place for trade and making things.

Warwick: A Historic Port Town

Warwick was a small town and port in Virginia. It was located about 5 miles south of downtown Richmond. The James River was very important for Warwick. Even though the river's waterfalls were further up, a sandbar near Warwick meant that many large ships could not go past it. This made Warwick a key stopping point for river travel.

In 1781, Thomas Jefferson, who was the governor then, wrote about the James River. He said that "Vessels of 250 tons may go to Warwick." This shows how important Warwick was for ships.

Early History Near Warwick

Close to where Warwick would later be, the Falling Creek Ironworks was built in 1619. This was the first iron-making factory in what became the United States. Sadly, in 1622, during the Indian Massacre of 1622, the factory was destroyed. Most of the people living there were killed.

Warwick's Busy Years

Warwick existed from 1730 to 1781. It was a very important port and a place where many goods were made. A small river called Falling Creek joined the James River just west of Warwick.

During the American Revolutionary War, Warwick played a big role. Its skilled workers made clothes and shoes for the American soldiers. Its mills ground flour and cornmeal to feed the troops. Warwick also made important equipment for Virginia's navy ships.

The Burning of Warwick

On April 30, 1781, during the Revolutionary War, British troops attacked Warwick. They were led by General Benedict Arnold. The British burned the town. They destroyed ships, warehouses, mills, and places where leather and ropes were made. After this attack, the town of Warwick never fully recovered.

Today, the town of Warwick no longer exists. However, its history is remembered. A special marker from Virginia's history notes its important place.

Warwick Today

Part of the old Warwick site is now used by the Port of Richmond. This area is known as the Richmond Deepwater Terminal. It is still a busy port today.

Warwick Road

The original Warwick Road started at the port town of Warwick. It stretched through areas that are now part of South Richmond. It also went through a large plantation called Ampthill. This plantation is now part of a big DuPont factory. The road continued into Chesterfield County, reaching the Bon Air area. Much of the old Warwick Road was still used as a main route until about 1960.