Colonial Heights is an independent city in Virginia. The population was 16,897 at the 2000 census. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the City of Colonial Heights (along with the City of Petersburg) with Dinwiddie County for statistical purposes. It is located in the Tri-Cities area of the Richmond-Petersburg region and is portion of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Located in southeasern Virginia, Colonial Heights is 20 miles south of Richmond, Virginia's state capital. The City of Petersburg lies directly across the Appomattox River.
Originally a part of Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights became a town in 1926 and a city in 1948. The first recorded settlement in the area was by Thomas Shore. Shore purchased 144 acres of land alnog the northern bank of the Appomattox and built his mansion, Violet Bank.
The northern bank of the Appomattox was the site of several battles during the American Revolution and the Civil War. The name "Colonial Heights" results from an incident during the American Revolutionary War. In May 1781, the French troops of General Marquis de Lafayette, known as the Colonials, advanced south from Richmond and deployed artillery on the heights overlooking Petersburg from across the Appomattox River. The area thereafter came to be known as "Colonial Heights", and the name was given to a subdivision of the Oak Hill tract in 1906. According to legend though, it was an English soldier stationed in Petersburg who upon seeing Lafayette's troops across the river, exclaimed, "Look! there are the Colonials, up on the Heights!"
In the mid 1980's, completion of the State Route 144 (Temple Avenue Connector) and a new bridge across the Appomattox River provided access to State Route 36 near Fort Lee. The new road and bridge effectively opened a large previously isolated tract of land along the southeastern edge of the city for commercial development. There, the regional Southpark Mall and many other retail businesses and offices were built.
Transportation
The East Coast's premier interstate, I-95, runs north-south throught the City. Interstate 95 intersects I-64, just 20 miles north of the city, and I-85 just south of the city. Quick access to I-95 north and I-64 east and west is provided by I-295 which circumvents the city of Richmond. U.S. Route 1-301 runs through the City and U.S. 460 is two miles south.
General Information
- Incorporated in 1948
- City 7.8 Sq. Mi.
- Land 7.5 Sq. Mi.
- Water 0.3 Sq. Mi.
- Elevation 95 Ft.
- Time Zone- EST
- Population (2000)- 16,897
Schools
High School(s)
: Colonial Heights High School (804.524.3405)
Middle School(s)
: Colonial Heights Middle School (804.524.3420)
Elementary School(s)
: Lakeview Elementary School (804.524.3435)
: North Elementary School (804.524.3430)
: Tussing Elementary School (804.524.3440)
School Board Office- 804.526.0811
Community Facilities
-White Bank Park
- Fort Clifton Park
- Lakeview Park
- The Community Building of Colonial Heights
- Shepherd Stadium
- Violet Bank Museum
Medical
Hospital care is available at Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, with 469 beds. Southside Regional also operates a medical center in the City with out-patient care.
Approximately 50 physicians and dentists have offices in Colonial Heights and over 100 currently practice in Petersburg.
The Colonial Heights Convalescent Center, a 196 bed nursing home facility, is located within the City.