Henricus

Virginia's ghost towns layer colonial-era settlements, Civil War casualties, and coal camps in the western counties.

The "Citie of Henricus"—also known as Henricopolis, Henrico Town, or Henrico—was a settlement in Virginia founded by Sir Thomas Dale in 1611 as an alternative to the swampy and dangerous site of the original English settlement at Jamestown. Named for Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales (1594–1612), the eldest son of King James I of England, Henricus was located on a former meander of the James River, about 12 miles (19 km) southeast of present-day Richmond, Virginia, and about 15 miles (24 km) below the fall line.

The on-the-ground condition of Henricus is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Henricus is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.