Historic Point of Rocks Park Improvements Begin This Fall
TL;DR: Chesterfield Parks is beginning infrastructure improvements at Historic Point of Rocks Park this fall to make the restored Strachan House accessible to visitors.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County Parks
- What: Construction of access road, parking area, and pathways to the historic Strachan House
- When: Fall 2026 to spring 2027
- Where: Historic Point of Rocks Park, Enon area, Chesterfield County
The story
Chesterfield County Parks is beginning infrastructure development at Historic Point of Rocks Park this fall to improve visitor access to the restored Strachan House, a structure built in 1841 that played a significant role in Civil War history. The project includes construction of an access road, parking area, and pathways leading to the historic residence. Work is expected to conclude by spring 2027.
The Strachan House, constructed by Rev. John Alexander Strachan, founder of Enon Baptist Church, sits on the grounds of what is now R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks. During the Bermuda Hundred Campaign of May 1864, the property served as a Union field hospital and headquarters, with the house functioning as the Surgeon's quarters. Historical records note that President Lincoln and General Grant visited the property during the latter part of the war.
The county acquired the property in 2013 when descendants of Rev. Strachan sold it to Chesterfield County. In addition to the infrastructure improvements underway, the Strachan House itself is being restored to its original 1840s appearance and layout. This Historic Point of Rocks Park project was included in the 2022 bond referendum approved by Chesterfield County voters.
Key players
- Chesterfield County Parks: Project developer and manager
Key dates
- 2026-09-01: Infrastructure construction begins
- 2027-03-31: Infrastructure construction expected to complete
Why it matters: The improvements will make a historically significant Civil War site more accessible to residents and visitors, preserving local heritage while enhancing recreational opportunities in the county's parks system.
Places
Development timeline
- 2013Chesterfield County acquires Point of Rocks property: Descendants of Rev. John Alexander Strachan sell the historic property to the county [source]
- 2022-11-08Voters approve 2022 bond referendum: Bond referendum including Historic Point of Rocks Park improvements approved by 76% of voters [source]
- 2026-09-01Infrastructure work begins: Construction of access road, parking, and pathways to Strachan House begins in fall 2026 [source]
- 2027-03-31Infrastructure work scheduled for completion: Access road, parking, and pathways expected to be complete by spring 2027 [source]
Related links
- Chesterfield County Parks - Historic Point of Rocks
- Chesterfield County Civil War Sites
- 2022 Bond Referendum Information
Read the original at Chesterfield Parks Projects →
Sources
- Chesterfield County Civic Alert - Historic Point of Rocks Park Improvements
- R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks - Chesterfield County Parks
- Chesterfield County Bond Referendums
- Historic Point of Rocks Historical Marker