Upon returning to his prepared position on the Bermuda Hundred peninsula, General Benjamin F. Butler engineered a plan to build a canal across the small portion of land known as Dutch Gap. The canal’s intended purpose was to bypass Battery Dantzler and other Confederate fortifications along theJames River. The canal construction was begun in August 1864. Under the command of Brig. General D. S. Ludlow, construction was done primarily by African-American troops and continued well into December 1864 with over 67,000 cubic yards of material removed. All that was needed to complete the canal was the destruction of a dam and western bulkhead. On January 1, 1865 six tons of black powder were detonated under the bulkhead. However the bulkhead was not dislodged and the canal remained blocked. Soon thereafter the men working on the canal were assigned to the siege of Petersburg. In a January 4, 1865 letter General Grant requested that Butler be relieved of his command. The canal project was abandoned until after the Civil War. In the 1870’s Butler, then a member of the U.S. Congress, saw the canal completed. The Army Corps of Engineers widened the Dutch Gap Canal to its current extent in the 1930’s. The bluff at Henricus Historical Park marks the southern bank of Butler’s canal.

Dutch Gap Canal

Commemorating more than 400 years of history, Henricus Historical Park re-creates everyday 17th-century life in the second successful English settlement in North America and in the Virginia Indian site of Arrohateck. Due to its prime location as a military outpost on a bluff overlooking the James River, the site also boasts rich Revolutionary War and Civil War history, which visitors may experience through special events and programs throughout the year. Surrounded by the 810 acre Dutch Gap Conservation Area, the living history museum offers exceptional Pre-K-12 and adult education programs, and both indoor and outdoor meeting and special event space. Henricus Historical Park is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization that operates in partnership with the Henricus Foundation and the counties of Chesterfield and Henrico. For more information about Henricus Historical Park visit www.henricus.org and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Henricus Historical Park is located off I-95 at exit 61-A, at 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, VA 23836. The park is open Tuesday-Sunday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission fees vary.

Henricus Historical Park

This Confederate battery is the northern end of the Howlett Line that bottled up Butler’s forces on the Bermuda Hundred peninsula. The fort was named for Col. Olin Miller Dantzler, 22d South Carolina Infantry, who was killed in action near here. In January, 1865, the Battle of Trent’s Reach, one of the last naval actions of the war, took place at the foot of Battery Dantzler. During the battle, three Confederate ironclads were stopped when they tried to force their way downriver to attack Grant’s supply base at City Point.

Battery Dantzler

Mexican food and a friendly smile, featuring daily specials.

Don Pepe in Chester

Site of a militia position during Benedict Arnold's 1781 raid on the City of Richmond and also a British rest stop. It is currently part of the Virginia Capital Bike Trail with parking, restrooms, trail access, and historic markers about colonial and Civil War History.

Deep Bottom Park

Ride your boat, pier fish, or picnic on the James River. Deep Bottom Park features two boat ramps for access to the James River and a canoe launch on Four Mile Creek. Picnic facilities and fishing are also available at this site. The park grounds and boat ramp access are available from dawn to dusk.

Stand Up Paddle(SUP) The James River, Richmond, VA RVA, with the First ACA SUP certified Instructors in Central Virginia!

Black Dog Paddle-Henrico

We are a fun friendly place to enjoy great food and great friends.Dart boards and pool tables available. Chow down on your favorite sports grille food - hot wings, potato skins, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, salads, entrees and specials for the kids!

I Don't Know Sports Grille

Parkers Battery is a well-preserved example of the Confederate defenses known as the Howlett Line. The site was manned by Parker’s “Boy Company” comprised of men from the City of Richmond. Infantry trenches ran from the James River south to the Appomattox River, supported by artillery positions along the line. Parker’s Battery was involved in frequent duels with Federal positions located less than one mile east. Confederate forces occupied this site until the fall of Petersburg, when they joined Lee on his retreat to Appomattox. Parker’s Battery features a walking trail with several interpretive signs. The parks close at sunset.

Parker's Battery

This facility is located at 4747 Pouncey Tract Rd Henrico, VA 23059.

It features:
Restrooms, concessions, walking trails, multi-purpose athletic fields, picnic facilities, playground, bleachers, lights, tournaments, outfield fence, adult/youth softball, youth baseball
 
Number of fields:
(2) multi-purpose fields
(1) tournament fields, convertible for softball or youth baseball
(3) sand volleyball courts

Pouncey Tract Park

Business Type

Has Promotions Available

Special Features