Colonial Heights

Independent city in east-central Virginia, USA, on the Appomattox River, across from Petersburg to the north; population (1990) 16,100. Part of an industrial complex, it produces boats, paint, and dairy products.

In 1781, Lafayette shelled Petersburg from here. During the 1864–65 siege of Petersburg, Robert E Lee's headquarters were located under a huge cucumber tree in front of which is now the Violet Bank Library and Museum. Colonial Heights was not incorporated as a town until 1926.