Varina, VA

Varina, Virginia, played a significant role in the American Civil War, particularly during the Seven Days Battles and the Richmond-Petersburg campaign. The area served as a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces, featuring headquarters, prisoner exchanges, and battlefields. 
Key Civil War History in Varina:
  • Seven Days Battles:
    The Seven Days Battles began in the Varina area in June 1862, with Confederate General Robert E. Lee observing the initial movements from a bluff in what is now Meadowview Park. 
  • Dabbs House:
    General Lee established his Richmond-area headquarters at the Dabbs House in Varina. 
  • Prisoner Exchanges:
    Varina served as an eastern depot for the exchange of prisoners of war in August 1862. 
  • Deep Bottom:
    The Deep Bottom area in Varina was the site of the First and Second Battles of Deep Bottom, as well as the Battle of New Market Heights during the Richmond-Petersburg campaign. 
  • New Market Heights:
    The Battle of New Market Heights, a significant engagement in September 1864, saw fierce fighting and resulted in 14 Medals of Honor awarded to members of the U.S. Colored Troops. 
  • Four Mile Creek Farm:
    This farm in Varina is a core part of the New Market Heights Battlefield, where the U.S. Colored Troops broke through Confederate lines. 
  • Cedar Hill:
    Cedar Hill, a historic property in Varina, was used as a camp during the Seven Days Battles and also as a source of supplies for Confederate troops. 
  • Varina Farms:
    This large plantation, also known as Varina on the James, includes a home with damage attributed to the war, and was recently purchased by Henrico County for preservation. 
    Varina Landing Virginia vicinity3. View of ships on James River. Near here Gen. Ords 18th Army Corps crossed the James
    Varina Landing (vicinity) on the James River 
    Varina landing Virginia vicinity5. Aiken house on James River LOC cwpb.01763
    Aiken House in Varina, VA