Midlothian, VA

Midlothian is an unincorporated village located in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Although Midlothian's industrial roots were based in coal mining, today it serves as a thriving bedroom community of nearby Richmond, Virginia. More than 50,000 residents live in Midlothian, which was selected by Money magazine in 2008 as one of the Best Places to Live.

The median family income for Midlothian is well above the national average. Residents enjoy the planned communities and carefully maintained neighborhoods that have given Midlothian an excellent reputation for safety and convenience. Throughout the village are carefully placed markers that provide tourists and residents with insightful information on Midlothian's colorful mining and railroading past.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

First settled in the 1700s, Midlothian began as a coal mining town, and is named for the Mid-Lothian coal mining company operated by the entrepreneurial, Scottish-born Wooldridge Brothers. For more than 100 years, the village of Midlothian prospered thanks to the constant need for coal from all over the commonwealth of Virginia. Demand was so high that before steam locomotives came to the area, the Chesterfield Railroad-powered only by gravity and mules-was constructed as a means of conveying coal to the Manchester wharves.

Today, both freight and passenger trains frequently pass through Midlothian en route to a variety of locales. Though remnants of the former mines can still be seen, the emphasis in modern Midlothian is on enjoyable living.

There is some light industry in the area, and retail establishments also provide employment. However, most working residents commute to their places of employment. Watkins Centre, a mixed-use area planned for development just two miles from the village center, will add office and retail space in the area. Midlothian participates in the Western Chesterfield Business Alliance, and receives police services from Chesterfield County.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

The neighborhoods of the city of Midlothian accommodate a population that belongs to upper-middle class. Some of the main neighborhoods in Midlothian include:

• Alexandria Station is a neighborhood on Westfield Road just West of Sycamore Square.
• Queensmill is a neighborhood of around 500 homes located in the northwestern part of Chesterfield County.
• Roxshire is an upscale, large neighborhood in Midlothian that accommodates 1,600 families.
• Other major neighborhoods include Abbots Mill, Paget, Ashbrook Landing, Buckingham, Sachems Head, Carriage Hill, Somerville Grove, Cedar Crossing, St. George, Cottage Mill, Danhurst Woods, Hamilton, Oaklyn, Winterfield, Walton Bluff and Otterdale.

BEST BETS

• Jacob Baach House: On the property of this 19th-century residence is a giant elm tree that is believed to be the oldest in the village.
• Hallsborough Tavern: Now a private residence, this building is an excellent example of 19th-century Virginian architecture.
• Midlothian's Historic Park: Midlothian's park, located near the center of the village, touts itself as being perfect for strolling, relaxing and recreational activities.
• Southside Speedway: Stock cars race on the Southside Speedway, an asphalt oval track that opened on April 15, 1959.
• Trabue's Tavern: Dating from the latter part of the 18th century, this house was originally an inn and tavern, as well as the innkeeper's family's residence. Today, the home is used by a pewter smith.
• Wooldridge-Jewett House: Built around 1870, this structure was the site of both a post office and a brick store.
• Wooldridge Family Home: This residence is currently a restaurant and is surrounded by a wide variety of sycamore trees.

In addition, Midlothian is home to a number of historic churches:

• Bethel Baptist Church (ca. 1817)
• Midlothian First Baptist Church (ca. 1840)
• Mt. Pisgah Methodist Church (ca. 1840)
• Winfree Memorial Baptist Church (ca. 19th century)

Given Midlothian's temperate climate, golfing enthusiasts often visit the village to indulge in the following courses:

• Brandermill Country Club (members only)
• Independence Golf Club, Championship Course
• Independence Golf Club, Short Course
• Oasis Sports Park
• Salisbury Country Club, Buckingham 9 Course (members only)
• Salisbury Country Club, Huguenot 9 Course (members only)
• Salisbury Country Club, Monacan 9 Course (members only)
• Windy Hill Sports Complex, Lakes Course
• Windy Hill Sports Complex, Par Three Course

EVENTS

• Midlothian Village Day Festival & Craft Fair: Held each October, the Midlothian Village Day Festival & Craft Fair offers fairgoers the opportunity to enjoy homemade food, local entertainers and camaraderie while celebrating Midlothian's past. The festival takes place at the Midlothian Middle School.
• Midlothian Visit the Village Day: In conjunction with October's Midlothian Village Day Festival & Craft Fair, the village of Midlothian also offers a "Visit the Village" parade. Prizes are awarded throughout this fun-filled event.

FUN FACTS

• Midlothian boasts the first recorded coal mines in America. While living at the White House, President Thomas Jefferson was warmed by Midlothian-mined coal.
• Midlothian offered its residents one of the first free schools in Chesterfield County.
• One of the first toll roads in Virginia passed through Midlothian.
• One of Chesterfield County's oldest African American Baptist churches is in Midlothian.