The present geographical-political area, known as Henrico County can trace its origins back to 1634. In that year, it was established as one of the eight original shires of Virginia and included all the land on both sides of the James River from Charles City County west to the mountains. In time, nine counties, part of another county, and the city of Richmond would be cut from Henrico. Today, the county is 245 square miles in size. -- Pg. [1].