History

One of the oldest political subdivisions in Virginia, Henrico was the scene of the second settlement in the colony and was established in 1634 as one of the eight original shires or counties. The county was named for Henry, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of King James I of England.

The Early Years

Up to 1607 Early Years	1611 New Settlement; Pocahontas	1619 Representative Government	1622 Town Under Attack	1624 Henrico Becomes a Shire	1676 Bacon's Rebellion	1776 American Revolution

1800 - now

1800	1861	1892	1908	1943
Gabriel's Rebellion	Civil War	Reconstruction	Virginia Randolph	USS Henrico

Henrico, Today!

A great place to live, work, and grow.

Explore History with our Division of Recreation and Parks
State Historic Markers, Henrico Roadside Markers and Building Plaques
Historical Points of Interest
Places and Names
Meadow Farm

County Government
The County Manager Form of Government
Photo Gallery -- Past Chairmen of the Board
Photo Gallery -- County Managers, 1934 - Today
Henrico's Official Seal

Explore your genealogical history beginning with the Virginia Office of Vital Records and the Library of Virginia.

Related Links --

• Use this link to reach our Discover Henrico History page on the Henrico Recreation and Parks Web site.
• Learn about State Historic Markers, Henrico Roadside Markers and Building Plaques.
• Use this link to reach the Henrico County Historical Society.
• Visit the Virginia Historical Society and the Valentine Museum.
• Don't miss Richmond's Canal Walk that meanders 1.25 miles through downtown Richmond along the banks of the historic Haxall Canal and the James River and Kanawha Canal.
• Civil War Trails
  Civil War Trail Markers found in Henrico County.
• Henrico Markers
  Each roadside marker features a narrative which recognizes an important person, place or event.
• Henrico Plaques
  The historic plaque displays the construction date of significant structures.
• Names & Places in Henrico
  Look up how certain places got their name.
• Meadow Farm Museum
  See what living history programs are going on this month at Meadow Farm Museum.

Disclaimer -- This document collection includes hyperlinks to sites on the World Wide Web or Internet that are neither County-controlled nor County-sponsored. They are included here solely for their value as informational, reference, educational or research tools for County residents and visitors or because they relate to the activities of various County agencies. Inclusion of the hyperlink should not be interpreted as an endorsement by the County of either the site's sponsor or any commercial product.