The earliest Colonial history in Central Virginia comes to life at Henricus Historical Park.

Historic, Hip & Easy to Love

Richmond, VA was visited in 1607 by Captains Christopher Newport and John Smith. In 1737 William Byrd II named the city Richmond because the bend in the James River is similar to that of the Thames in Richmond, England. Here you'll find more than 400 years of history including the second successful English settlement, the site of Patrick Henry's famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech and the former capital of the Confederacy. The Richmond Region is also an area of firsts. From the first American hospital and first U.S. canal system to the nation's first African American governor and the South's first television station, we're continuing to make our mark.

The Richmond Region is rockin' with concert series
year-round.Photo by Tom Kojscich

But Virginia's Richmond Region isn't just about history. We have upscale shopping, fabulous restaurants, heart-pounding sporting events, world-renowned museums, vibrant culture, elegant homes and gardens and family fun for everyone. See the only Class IV rapids in an urban U.S. setting, view the largest collection of Faberge objects outside of Russia, or tour the nation's only historic designated avenue - the choices are limitless.

More than 5 million visitors come to the Region each year. We hope you'll be one of them. Stay for a while and see why the Richmond Region is easy to love.

Geography

The Richmond Region is located at the head of the navigable waters of the James River. The city was founded at the fall line of the James where the coastal plain meets the piedmont plateau. Richmond, VA is approximately 100 miles south of Washington, D.C., and midway between Atlanta and Boston.

Getting here is easy--the Region is within a day's drive
of half of the U.S. population.
Photo by Jeff Greenberg

The Region's central location makes it the ideal home base for day trips. Mountains, beaches, historic areas, Southern plantations and our nation's Capitol are just a few of the attractions within a day's drive of the Region. With four distinct seasons, including an incredible display of fall foliage, it's always the perfect time to visit.

Who We Are

The Richmond Region comprises the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and New Kent and the city of Richmond. In Virginia, cities are separate from counties and governed by a concept referred to as Dillon's Rule. Developed by Thomas Jefferson and named for John Forest Dillon, former Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court, Dillon's Rule says that local governments only hold power and authority as granted to them by state government. The rule is so named because Judge Dillon, considered an expert on municipal law, authored two legal opinions establishing the modern rule of law by which the powers of local government are evaluated.

Learn more about the areas that make up the Richmond Region!
Chesterfield County
City of Richmond
Hanover County
Henrico County
New Kent County
Other Partners

Want to Know More?

Check out some other areas for even more about the Richmond Region.
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