Colonial Heights, city (2020 pop. 18,170), in, but independent of, Chesterfield co., SE Va.; inc. as a city 1948. Chemicals, metal products, and whiskey are manufactured and peanuts, grain, soybeans, and tobacco are grown. Of particular interest is the Violet Bank Library and Museum and the giant cucumber tree in front of it. In 1864, during the Civil War, Gen. Robert E. Lee made his headquarters under the tree while directing the defense of besieged Petersburg (across the Appomattox River from Colonial Heights).
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