History of Charles City, Virginia, USA

1619 - In 1619 the Virginia Company established Charles Cittie (sic) as one of the first four "boroughs" or "incorporations" in the region.
West of James County, it was named for Prince Charles, second son of King James I of England, who became the Prince of Wales and heir apparent after the death of his older brother Henry in 1612. After his father's death, he became King Charles I of England.
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1634 - Charles City Shire was formed in 1634 in the Virginia Colony by order of the King. Its name was changed to Charles City County in 1643.

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1854 - Charles City / Charles City Court House
Charles City, a county in the S. E. part of Virginia, has an area of 184 square miles. James river forms its entire boundary on the S. and the Chickahominy on the N. and E. The surface is rolling. Indian corn and wheat are the staples. In 1860 this county produced 178.940 bushels of corn, and 81,229 of wheat. There were 6 saw mills. It contained 13 churches, and 92 pupils attending academies or other schools. James river is navigable by steamboats on the border of the county. Charles City was one of the eight original shires into which Virginia was divided in 1634. It has given birth to two Presidents of the United States, Harrison and Tyler. Capital, Charles City Court House. Population, 6200, of whom 2430 were free, and 2764 slaves.

Charles City Court House, a post- village, capital of Charles City county, Virginia, 30 miles S. S. E. from Richmond.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - Charles City
Charles City, a county in the S.E. part of Virginia, has an area of about 200 square miles. It is bounded on the N.E. by the Chickahominy and on the S. by the James River. The surface is undulating or hilly, and nearly half of it is covered with forests. Indian corn, wheat, and oats are the staple products. The Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad traverses it in the N.W. Capital, Charles City Court-House. Pop. in 1870,4975; in 1880, 5512; in 1890, 5066.

Charles City Court-House, a hamlet, capital of Charles City co., Va., is about 1 mile N. of James River, and 28 miles S.E. of Richmond. It contains a court-house, jail, &c.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1938 - FORMER U.S. DIPLOMAT IS KILLED ACCIDENTALLY.
Richmond, Va., Oct. 3 - (AP) - RICHARD CRANE, of "Westover," former United States minister to Czechoslovakia and a prominent figure in Virginia's social life, was accidentally killed with his own gun while hunting. He was 56 years old.

Dr. J. R. Parker, Charles City county coroner, said MR. CRANE'S gun discharged as he stepped from a boat in marshlands on his famous James River estate.

MR. CRANE was formerly vice-president of the CRANE Company of Chicago and at one time was private secretary to Robert Lansing, secretary of state.
He went to Czechoslovakia as minister in 1919 and remained two years. He was awarded the great cross of the order of White Lions by that country.
Daily Capital News
Jefferson City, Missouri
October 4, 1938

Here are some of the best places to go and things to do in Charles City, Virginia:
Berkeley Plantation: Start your visit with a trip to Berkeley Plantation, one of the most historic sites in Virginia. It's often called "the birthplace of Thanksgiving" as it is believed that the first official Thanksgiving took place here in 1619. The plantation offers guided tours of the historic mansion, beautiful gardens, and a glimpse into colonial history.

Shirley Plantation: Another historic gem, Shirley Plantation is one of the oldest plantations in Virginia, dating back to 1613. Take a guided tour of the grand mansion and explore the lovely grounds overlooking the James River. The history here is rich, and the architecture is stunning.

Westover Plantation: Westover Plantation is known for its exquisite Georgian architecture and beautiful gardens. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the history of the region and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the James River.

Charles City County Courthouse: This courthouse is not only a historical site but also a functioning... Read MORE...