Henrico County (Virginia) Historical Society - Henrico County's Varina District

Henrico County

Varina District Historic Sites - Wilton Farm

Wilton House Museum, Reported in 2006

Wilton, an authentic lower James River plantation house, is an impressive example of 18th century architecture. This five bay, double pile brick mansion adapts the English Georgian style into a gracious architectural statement that is distinctly American and Virginian. Completed in 1753 by William Randolph III, Wilton was the centerpiece of a 2,000-acre tobacco plantation and home to the Randolph family for more than a century. It was here that they entertained George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Marquis de Lafayette.

After a succession of later owners, the house became timeworn and the surrounding area industrialized. Rather than see Wilton torn down, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia purchased the house in 1933 and had it carefully reconstructed on the banks of the James River, 15 miles west of its original location. This timely intervention saved the structure, including its original floor-to-ceiling paneling. Wilton stands as one of the few completely restored paneled houses of mid-18th century America.

Pictured above is Wilton House in the 1930s. Below is Wilton House Museum, today.

(reprinted from Wilton House Museum website, www.wiltonhousemuseum.org)

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The Land on Which Wilton House Once Stood, Reported in 2006

In February of 2005 zoning was approved by the County of Henrico for developer HH Hunt to build a housing project on the property where Wilton House originally stood. It will be known as Wilton On The James.

HH Hunt representatives met with a delegation of people from the County of Henrico, Wilton House Museum, and the Henrico County Historical Society to give an update on the development plans of this historic site.

HH Hunt engaged the firm of Cultural Resources to conduct a very extensive archaeological study of the property. Robert Kiser, the project archaeologist, gave a report on his initial findings, which include evidence of brick works and a mill. No Civil War evidence was found on the property. The ditches that had been reported in earlier surveys were identified as probable Colonial property marking ditches.

This house was built in the 1900's stands on or near the original foundation of Wilton.

A house built in the 1900's stands on or near the original foundation of Wilton. This house, along with the area surrounding the house, will be donated by HH Hunt to the County of Henrico and will be preserved as a park.

House that was donated to the County of Henrico located on or near the original foundation of Wilton House.

Most of the historic artifacts have been found in this area and the development plans seem to have been designed around the historic significance of this property.

We are pleased to report on this example of development and preservation working together.

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Wilton Farm, Reported in 2019

On Thursday, September 19, 2019, Henrico County Manager John Vitoulkas and Varina Supervisor Tyrone Nelson announced the county's $10-million purchase of the 1,184 Wilton Farm. The property's history dates back to the earliest colonial days, when its remoteness led settlers to refer to it as "World's End." By the 1740s, it was a tobacco plantation; and during the American Revolution, troops led by Lafayette camped there.

Planning for the site will formally begin in 2020 with the formation of an advisory council of county residents. However, potential suggested uses include a Henrico historical museum, space for one or more schools and a business corridor. The property contains a 26-acre lake, a 94-acre lake and 2.8 miles of frontage on the James River, and public access to those areas as well as the 550-acre section which cannot be developed would provide great recreational opportunities.

1. Henrico County's outline of possible uses of the Wilton Farm property.