Goochland County

BY CALVIN TRICE - Staff Writer
Published: July 22, 2008

Goochland is a county of contrasts, with country stores amid corporate headquarters and modest, rural living abutting the estates of some of metro Richmond’s wealthiest families. Weather-beaten cottages sit next to 100-acre horse farms anchored by mansions.

From the Henrico County line, West Creek Business Park houses CarMax’s corporate headquarters and Capital One Bank Services. Farther west, the landscape gives way to the small-town commercial center of the Courthouse to country stores in the far western part of Goochland.

Even in the eastern portion of Goochland, numerous new upscale subdivisions are interspersed with the homes of longtime residents. State Route 288 now provides a vital link to the rest of metro Richmond.

History: Formed in 1728, the county owes its unique name to the royal Lt. Gov. Sir William Gooch. It is bounded to the north by busy Interstate 64, while the lolling James River forms its southern boundary with Powhatan County.

A Fun Thing to Do: The Jackson Blacksmith Shop in the Courthouse area of Goochland is a restored trade shop that had been run by a local family since their ancestors were slaves. The tradition began when Henry Jackson, born circa 1826, built his own shop in 1880. Descendants have worked at the current site, constructed in 1932, through the 1970s. The last shop was restored in 1995 and is listed on the Virginia Register of Historic places. Call (804) 556-4309.

Government: Goochland is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors whose appointed county administrator oversees about 148 employees.
Schools: The school system enrolls about 2,400 students in five schools that feature award-winning, state-of-the art technology. Middle and high schools are part of a recently completed complex just west of the Courthouse area.

Library: Part of the Pamunkey Regional Library system, Goochland’s public library is one branch of a four-county, 10-branch system that also includes a bookmobile.

Parks: The Hidden Rock Park, a 55-acre facility, offers combination softball/baseball fields, basketball court, volleyball, playground, pavilion, fitness area and soccer fields. Call (804) 556-5354.

Real Estate: Just when you thought there might not be any land left, new developments are coming on line with numerous houses.

In Goochland County (Area 24), Haskins Ridge is a new area. It offers eight wooded lots off state Route 6 near Gum Spring. Homes are priced from $195,000 to $365,000. Other subdivisions with new homes include Creekmore Park and Holland Hills. Some areas have large lots for sale and buyers can custom build, such as Autumn Breeze and the Preserve at Parkers Hill.

Nearby is the regional library, YMCA, Maidens Boat Landing and a golf course. Goochland’s counterpart to Innsbrook is the West Creek Corporate Center, now the site of the Capital One campus.