Historian John Daniel Pagano of Henricus Historical Park will be offering a unique, exclusive Revolutionary War van tour following the marches, skirmishes, and actions of traitor General Benedict Arnold’s 800-man army from Westover Plantation to Richmond, which took place January 4-6, 1781.
Historical Overview
On January 4, 1781, British general and American traitor, Benedict Arnold, landed a force of 800 loyalist, Hessian, and British soldiers at Westover Plantation in Charles City County poised to marched on Richmond, Virginia. On the night of January 4 after a rigorous march, his troops camped at Four Mile Creek in Varina of Henrico County, where the Virginia militia had attempted to wreck the bridge there. After waking that morning, the 800 troops pushed on to Richmond where they encountered local militia atop modern day Church Hill, which they easily routed. Arnold’s men then entered Richmond and destroyed government or military stores at Westham, as well as a fair amount of tobacco. Early in the morning of January 6, the Virginia militia commander around Richmond, Colonel John Nicholas, pushed his men against Arnold’s outposts around Scuffletown, the modern-day Museum District, and Arnold hastily retreated towards Westover.
Program Information
Times: 9am-1pm, 1pm-5pm
Tours will depart from Henricus Historical Park at 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester. Please do not be late!
Dress warm as you will be getting out of the van at stops and feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks.
All participants will be given a historical sketch and map of Arnold's Raid.
Itinerary
- Depart Henricus Historical Park
- Westover Plantation - Arnold’s Disembarkation
- Four Mile Creek – Arnold’s Bivouac night of January 4
- Arnold’s Skirmish at Richmond Hill of January 5 (Bathroom break)
- Arnold’s men destroy the Westham Foundry
- Colonel Nicholas’ skirmish against Arnold’s Outposts of January 6
- Arrive back at Henricus Historical Park
<span style="background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); color:rgb(29, 33, 41); font-family:helvetica,arial,sans-serif; font-size:12px; white-space:pre-wrap">*The Traitor's Trail Van Tour is in partnership with St. John's Church Foundation and the Richmond National Battlefield Park.*</span>