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Castlewood

Welcome to Castlewood

Built ca. 1817-1819 by Parke Poindexter. Poindexter was Clerk of the Court at Chesterfield County from 1812 until 1847, almost 35 years. The original landowner was Henry Winfree, who received the property as a land grant in 1754. County Clerk Mr. Poindexter purchased the 180-acre tract in 1816 and began his efforts to construct a new home. One of the three or four finest Federal period houses in the county, Castlewood features a formal five-part plan differing from any other recorded Virginia dwelling. The house most closely alike to Castlewood is Carrsbrook, ca. 1794-1812 in Albemarle County.

Following Mr. Poindexter’s death, Castlewood passed through several owners until the Trinity Methodist Church acquired the house in 1860. For twelve years the house would serve as a parsonage for traveling ministers. Between 1872 and 1957 the property belonged to several different owners. The Gilmers purchased it in 1957 and restored it to its 1820 condition. In 1976 the Heritage Savings and Loan bank operated here and in 1980 Chesterfield County purchased the property. In 1998 the Historical Society began operating here via cooperative agreement with the County.

In 1999 an archaeological dig sponsored by the Society’s Archaeology Committee revealed evidence on an extensive plantation yard. Possible slave quarters may have been located as well. The only remaining outbuilding, is the early kitchen. Originally it was likely closer to the main building with a breezeway linking it and the main building. It was converted into an automobile garage and mid-range plans are to restore it for museum use in the next ten years.

The house is located on Route 10 (Iron Bridge Road) within a short walk of the Courthouse. In 1999 Castlewood became the site of the Society’s offices and in the spring of 2000 the Museum Shop and Historical Society Library relocated to Castlewood from the 1917 Courthouse.

The Chesterfield Historical Society “Lucille Moseley Library” provides public access to our wonderful collection of books, maps, manuscripts, photographs and related items to Chesterfield County. Also it serves as the site of the Library, Cemetery and Genealogy committees without whose skilled and professional volunteers services we could not offer such fine access to this local history collection. Copy machine and requested reprinting is available for a service fee.

Hours of operation are 10:00 to 4:00, Monday to Friday
with additional times on request to staff at (804) 777-9663.