Deep Bottom Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Deep Bottom Park is a historic site in Virginia that offers visitors a glimpse into the Civil War era.


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Summary

The park is located on the east bank of the James River in Henrico County, Virginia. It is a popular destination for tourists and history buffs alike, offering a variety of attractions and activities.

One of the main reasons to visit Deep Bottom Park is its rich history. During the Civil War, this area was the site of several battles, and visitors can explore the remnants of the Confederate fortifications and trenches. The park also features a number of interpretive signs and displays that provide information about the events that took place here.

There are several points of interest to see in Deep Bottom Park. One of the most notable is the Drewry's Bluff Battlefield, which was the site of a Confederate fort that played a key role in the defense of Richmond. Visitors can also see the remains of a Confederate gun emplacement, as well as the earthworks that were used to protect the fort.

In addition to its historical attractions, Deep Bottom Park also offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The park features picnic areas, hiking trails, and a boat ramp that provides access to the James River. Visitors can also fish or kayak in the river.

Interesting facts about Deep Bottom Park include that it was once the site of a major Confederate hospital and that it was the location of one of the first African American regiments in the Union army.

The best time of year to visit Deep Bottom Park is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most colorful. However, the park is open year-round and offers something to see and do in every season.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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