A Summary of Manchester, Richmond, Virginia

This article is presented by the child sexual abuse lawyers of Machester, Richmond. Our legal team is thrilled to bring you more details about the area of Manchester.

Synopsis of Manchester

Manchester is part of the City of Richmond, Virginia. Originally known as Manastoh, the area was owned by Captain Thomas Harris. In 1647, Fort Charles was relocated to Manastoh. Subsequently, it was renamed Rocky Ridge by the English colonists. In 1769, Rocky Ridge was once again renamed Manchester and given the status of an incorporated town in Chesterfield County.

From the late 1600s to the 1800s, the town developed into a major seaport because of its location at the head of navigation of the tidal James River. It was a major slave market in the 1700s. The economy of the town was supported by the tobacco and coal industries and agricultural mills and docks. During the Reconstruction period, the town was designated as the county seat of Chesterfield County between 1870 and 1876. The courthouse (now the Manchester Division of the Richmond City courts) was designed by Richmond-based architect A.L. West and built on March 31, 1871. In 1874, the town of Manchester became an independent city.

After a long period of negotiation, Manchester was consolidated into the independent City of Richmond in 1910. It was the first independent city in Virginia to lose its identity. On December 3, 1997, the Manchester Courthouse was designated on the Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR). The following year, on May 8, 1998, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). In 2000, the Manchester Industrial Historic District was designated on the VLR and listed on the NRHP. Additional buildings in the district were designated in 2004 and 2011. On March 14, 2001, the Manchester Residential and Commercial Historic District was designated on the VLR. In 2005 and 2006, other sites in the district were designated. On November 1, 2006, the district was also added to the NRHP.

Also learn about a Brief History of Thalia, VA.

Richmond Slave Trail

The Richmond Slave Trail is a walking trail depicting the story of the enslaved Africans who were traded from Africa to America until 1865. Starting at the Manchester Docks – a major port that made Richmond the largest source of slaves on the east coast – on Maury Street, the trail followings a route that leads through the slave markets in Richmond, the Reconciliation Statue recalling the international triangular slave trade, the Lumpkin's Slave Jail, the Negro Burial Ground, and the First African Baptist Church.

Floodwater Park

The Floodwater Prak was developed in 1995 to protect the area south of the James River from experiencing devastating flooding. The park offers a unique view of the river, the historic sites and the area and the city skyline. It is also popular among hikers, bird watchers, runners, fishermen and kayakers. If you are going along the trail, it could lead to the Canal Walk, Richmond Slave Trail, the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge and the Robert E. Lee Bridge. To access the park, the hours of operations are daily from sunrise to sunset.

Our Local Office

Did you just remember a repressed memory? Contact our Manchester, Richmond child sexual abuse attorneys, if you were a victim of assault as a child. We can help you determine the legal options available for your specific claim. Call now to schedule your free consultation and get started in getting the justice you deserve.