CHSV Films
Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia Films
Discover the Chesterfield Historical of Virginia through Films
We cannot deny the fact that videos leave a longer impact on the minds of people than stock images and static graphics. To understand the importance of what we have achieved today, it is important to know the history. We have a few films that hi-lite our Chesterfield County history and who we are as the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia. View the films to get a sense of history at your doorsteps.
Chesterfield Historical Facts
Research Library
CHSV Research Library
You have an opportunity for assistance in your research on people, places, and events in Chesterfield County history. As the birthplace of the second permanent English settlement in the New World with the first hospital, coal mines, ironworks, tobacco farming, and many other significant events, we have a history we are proud to share! We are only able to conduct research on Chesterfield County history and residents. Please note that there is a minimum charge of $25.00 per research request. Copies and postage are extra. Upon evaluation of your request, you will be contacted to discuss the request and anticipated charge. If your old Bible has Chesterfield connections, please consider making photocopies and contributing the family history to the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia's Library. The need is great for researchers in the library. See More
Notice of Closures: Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia offices will be closed when Chesterfield County is observing holidays. See the schedule here. Check back here for news on inclement weather notices.
Chesterfield County Facts
Chesterfield County Facts
Chesterfield County was founded on May 25, 1749, by the House of Burgesses. It was carved from Henrico County to eliminate lengthy travel by residents from the southern area to the Courthouse for business and court proceedings. The historic James River borders the county on the northeast and the Appomattox River forms the county's southern boundary.
Chesterfield County received its name from the Fourth Earl of Chesterfield, England's famed Lord Chesterfield, Philip Dormer Stanhope. Chesterfield was first settled in 1611 at the Citie of Henricus, when residents of Jamestown moved upstream to a "convenient, strong, healthie and sweete seate" for a new town after conditions at Jamestown were too harsh.
Full size copies of the 1888 LaPrade map are available to purchase in the Research Library.
The National Register of Historic Places in the county's rich history includes many historic "firsts," such as:
♣ 1611 -- Citie of Henricus was established as the second permanent English settlement
♣ 1612 -- Tobacco was first cultivated in America at Bermuda Hundred
♣ 1614 - -Bermuda Hundred was the first incorporated town in America
♣ 1619 -- Falling Creek was the first iron furnace in the New World
♣ 1622 -- Mount Malady, near Dutch gap, was the site of the first American hospital
♣ 1709 -- Midlothian produced the first commercially mined coal in America
♣ 1807 -- Midlothian Turnpike was the first paved road in Virginia
♣ 1831 -- The Midlothian to Manchester Railroad was the first in Virginia