City of Danville

City of Danville Municipal Water Report Information

About the City Overview: Colonial Heights, located in southeastern Virginia, was originally part of Chesterfield County before becoming a town in 1926 and an incorporated city in 1948. Its current charter as a fully independent city was granted in 1960. The city's history extends much further back, having been the site of significant battles during both the American Revolution and Civil War.

The name "Colonial Heights" originated from an incident during the Revolutionary War. In 1781, French troops under Lafayette, known as the Colonials, established artillery positions on heights overlooking the Appomattox River and Petersburg, where British forces were stationed. According to legend, a British soldier in Petersburg spotted Lafayette's troops across the river and exclaimed, "Look! There are the Colonials, up on the Heights!" - thus giving the area its name.

Early inhabitants of the region were members of the Algonquin Indian tribe who traveled along the Appomattox River. Several areas in present-day Colonial Heights still retain their original Indian names. English settlers first arrived in 1620, approximately two weeks before the Plymouth, Massachusetts settlement. A small group navigated up the Appomattox searching for viable land and eventually settled in "Conjurer's Field," named by indigenous people after one of their shamans.

During 1677-1685, one of the area's historic landmarks was constructed - the Brick House, now considered Colonial Heights' oldest permanent structure. One wall of this building survived a devastating fire in 1879.

The first documented settlement in Colonial Heights was established by Thomas Shore, who purchased 144 acres along the northern bank of the Appomattox River in 1775. He built his manor there and named it Violet Bank. Later, during the Civil War in 1864, this property became headquarters for General Robert E. Lee during the siege of Petersburg from June through September. Today, Violet Bank is owned by the City and serves as a Civil War museum and registered Virginia Historic Landmark.