This Day in Henrico History: Sept. 19 – Henrico announces a $10-million purchase of historic Wilton Farm

On Sept. 19, 2019, Henrico County officials announced an agreement to purchase the historic 1,184-acre Wilton Farm property along the James River in Varina for $10 million.

The enormous tract off Osborne Turnpike included about 2.8 miles of James River frontage, two lakes, extensive wetlands and significant historical and cultural resources.

The land's documented history stretches back to Virginia's colonial period. English settlers referred to the area as "World's End" in 1639 because of its remote location. By the 1740s, the property was operating as a tobacco plantation known as Wilton. During the Revolutionary War, American troops led by the Marquis de Lafayette camped on the property, and Henrico County historical records identify Wilton as Lafayette's headquarters in May 1781.

HHHunt had purchased the property for $18 million in 2005 and once planned a development called Wilton on the James containing 3,209 residential units.

Instead, Henrico's acquisition placed one of Eastern Henrico's largest undeveloped properties under county control. At the time, officials envisioned possibilities including preservation, recreation and public river access, economic development, future schools and a potential Henrico history museum.

Sources: Henrico County's Sept. 19, 2019 announcement; Henrico County historical reference.