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Manchester, VA

Frequently asked questions

Manchester, VA

Manchester is a former independent city in Virginia in the United States. Before receiving independent status, it served as the county seat of Chesterfield County, between 1870 and 1876. Today, it is a part of the city of Richmond, Virginia.

Originally known as Manastoh and later Rocky Ridge, it was located on the south bank of the James River at the fall line opposite the state capital city of Richmond, on the north side of the river. Manchester was an active port city and was a port of entry for slave ships principally in the 18th century. The port shipped out tobacco and coal which was transported 13 miles overland from the Midlothian-area mines on the Midlothian Turnpike, the first paved toll road in Virginia in 1807, and the Chesterfield Railroad, the state's first in 1831. Manchester became an incorporated town in 1769 and an independent city in 1874. In 1910, it merged by mutual agreement with the larger state capital City of Richmond, achieving another "first" as the earliest of Virginia's independent cities to lose its identity.

Today, "Old Manchester" is considered a neighborhood of Richmond. Many vestiges of its past are visible, notably the courthouse, the Hull Street business district, several historic houses, and several former railroad and street railway buildings. As part of the community's African American heritage, a "slave trail" traces the route into the downtown area from where the slave ships docked along the river. Interstate 95, and four other major highways, U.S. Routes 1, 60, 301, and 360 all cross the James River and enter downtown Richmond from Manchester.

During Reconstruction, Manchester was briefly the county seat of Chesterfield County, from 1870 until 1876. County voters approved the move from Chesterfield Court House, Virginia, and the cornerstone of the new courthouse was laid on March 31, 1871. It was designed by Richmond-based architect A.L. West. The former courthouse complex on Hull Street is now the Manchester Division of the Richmond City courts.

Manchester became an independent city in 1874 and was therefore no longer technically located in Chesterfield County. In the election that year, county voters were again asked if they wished to relocate the county seat elsewhere, but rejected a move following a heated campaign, by a vote of 1,442 to 388. However, when the question of a move came up once again on the 1876 ballot, voters approved, 1290 to 772, a return to Chesterfield Courthouse, which became effective on July 1 of that year. 

Manchester hosts several healthcare facilities, including the Chippenham Hospital, ensuring residents have access to quality medical services. Additionally, the city promotes healthy living through various initiatives and recreational spaces. The Manchester Wellness Center offers fitness programs, classes, and health and wellness activities, encouraging residents to maintain an active and balanced lifestyle. Virginia Family Chiropractic focuses on providing non-invasive and drug-free solutions for musculoskeletal issues. Their services include chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, massage therapy, and rehabilitation exercises to improve mobility and reduce pain. Chiropractic Health and Wellness Center is dedicated to restoring and maintaining optimal health through chiropractic care. Their treatments include spinal adjustments, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle coaching for holistic well-being. Northern Virginia Chiropractic Center offers comprehensive chiropractic care to address a wide range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sports injuries. Their services include chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, physical therapy, and ergonomic evaluations. Chiropractic Family Health Centre provides personalized care to promote healing and wellness. Their chiropractors use a variety of techniques such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, nutritional counseling, and corrective exercises to help patients achieve optimal health.

Top sites in Manchester, VA: Metro Richmond Zoo, Henricus Historical Park, Swift Creek Mill Theatre.

Population: Approximately 11,000 (2021). ZIP Code: 23224. Area code(s): 804.

FAQs

Is Manchester, VA a good place to live?

Manchester is a suburb of Richmond with a population of 11,929. Manchester is in Chesterfield County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. Living in Manchester offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Manchester, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

What is the history of Manchester, VA?

Manchester became an incorporated town in 1769 and an independent city in 1874. In 1910, it merged by mutual agreement with the larger state capital City of Richmond, achieving another "first" as the earliest of Virginia's independent cities to lose its identity. Today, "Old Manchester" is considered a neighborhood of Richmond.

What are the demographics of Manchester, VA?

Manchester has a 2024 population of 12,044. Manchester is currently growing at a rate of 0.48% annually and its population has increased by 1.95% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 11,814 in 2020. White: 55.13% Black or African American: 34.06% Two or more races: 3.86% Other race: 3.65%.

Sources

Chesterfield County

Wikipedia

World Population Review

Niche

Chippenham Hospital

Manchester Wellness Center

Virginia Family Chiropractic

Chiropractic Health and Wellness Center

Northern Virginia Chiropractic Center

Chiropractic Family Health Centre

Metro Richmond Zoo

Henricus Historical Park

Swift Creek Mill Theatre

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.