Capital Region Land Conservancy Transfers Over Four Acres of Land to City of Richmond for James River Park System That Protects the Trail of the Enslaved

Richmond, VA – After years of effort to secure full ownership of land that includes all of the Trail of the Enslaved, formerly known as the Richmond Slave Trail, Capital Region Land Conservancy (“CRLC”) has finalized this milestone effort by donating over approximately 4.47 acres of land located at 1401 and 1421 Brander Street to the City of Richmond. City Council members unanimously approved the acquisition in February 2025.

As a requirement of the transfer and terms of a grant from the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (“VLCF”), the City of Richmond recorded a perpetual conservation and open-space easement with CRLC and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (“DCR”) on March 6, 2025. This legally binding agreement will ensure the land is permanently protected and limits development. The easement will ensure the trails are maintained while prohibiting buildings or similar, substantial changes to the property, in order to preserve the forested riparian buffer along the river. CRLC and DCR developed the terms of the conservation easement with the staff from the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.

“The City of Richmond continues to work in partnership to make strides in preserving history and helping to tell the whole story to our community. The transfer of the Brander Street property to the City is a critical step in preserving the integrity of the Trail of the Enslaved,” said Chris Frelke, Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “This act of stewardship ensures that the history, struggles, and resilience of those who endured enslavement are not only honored but protected for future generations. It is an essential commitment to both remembering the past and fostering a future where these stories are accessible, respected, and celebrated within the fabric of our community.”

With VLCF grant funding, as well as support from private donors and the Friends of the James River Park, Capital Region Land Conservancy originally purchased the land from Norfolk Southern Railway Company in 2024 to secure public access. The property supports two trails, being approximately 2,100 feet for pedestrian use along the Trail of the Enslaved and more than 2,000 feet along the Ancarrow’s Access Trail for bikers and hikers. Norfolk Southern retained ownership of a 20-foot wide strip of the land for a non-operational railway track located adjacent to Brander Street. The land transfer to the City will now enable it to complete the long-planned repairs and improvements to the Trail of the Enslaved.

The Trail of the Enslaved features a 2.5-mile path with 17 historic markers that interpret the journey, human impact, and Richmond’s role in the tragic history of enslaved Africans who were brought to Richmond as part of the largest slave market on the east coast prior to the American Civil War.

“As co-holder of the conservation easement that protects roughly half of the James River Park System and its natural and cultural resources, we welcome adding this historically significant site,” said DCR Director Matthew Wells. “DCR is glad to continue working with Capital Region Land Conservancy in our partnership to expand public access to outdoor recreation in the Richmond region.”

Historically, the property served as important industrial infrastructure to the Manchester docks where enslaved Africans were transported and where the first rail line in Virginia operated. The Chesterfield Railroad Company opened in 1831 as a gravity track with a mule-powered tram to transport coal from the Midlothian Mines to the shipping docks for export. By 1835, annual exports were 140,000 tons of coal from the Richmond Basin. Norfolk Southern’s ownership of the property dates to 1849 through its predecessors Richmond and Danville Railroad Company (1847-1894) and Southern Railway Company (1894-1982).

“When City Council adopted the Richmond Riverfront Plan in 2012, it was a bold vision to embrace and enhance access to the James River. With this land transfer and others over the past 5 years, CRLC is honored to have helped acquire three of the privately owned parcels identified in the plan by raising more than $13.5 million in grants and private philanthropy,” CRLC Executive Director Parker C. Agelasto stated. “Adding more than 25 acres of parkland in downtown and protecting these sites connects our residents and visitors to the unique history and nature.”

About Capital Region Land Conservancy 

Capital Region Land Conservancy is dedicated to conserving the natural and historic resources of Virginia’s Richmond region for the benefit of people and nature. The nonprofit land trust serves the City of Richmond and 19 surrounding counties. Since 2005, CRLC has helped protect more than 15,000 acres, including easements on more than 5,000 acres.

About the City of Richmond

A vibrant community of more than 230,000 residents, the City of Richmond, is a thriving cultural and historical hub of families, professionals, business leaders, artists, outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors. Richmond offers a rich blend of historic landmarks, thriving arts scenes, and outdoor spaces with scenic views of the James River, which all contribute to the quality of life, commitment to community well-being, cultural heritage, and economic growth. The City of Richmond is dedicated to enhancing the lives of its citizens through comprehensive services, including public safety, education, parks and recreation, and economic development. With a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement, Richmond strives to be a city where everyone has the opportunity to live, work, and play.