Nestled in the heart of Virginia the town of Ashland exudes small-town charm and hospitality. With a population of around 8,000 residents Ashland manages to strike the perfect balance between quaint community and thriving locality.
A Slice of Americana
Founded in 1858 along the Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac railroad, Ashland’s identity took shape around the railroad industry. The tracks still run directly through the town’s historic downtown district. In fact, Ashland is known as the Center of the Universe for being the converging point of two major railroad lines!
This railroad history gives Ashland a nostalgic, all-American vibe. The town celebrates its heritage each year with the wildly popular Ashland Train Day festival. Historic downtown features lovingly restored brick buildings housing boutique shops, salons, cafes, and restaurants.
Community Spirit
The heart of Ashland lies in its people. Residents exude kindness civic pride and community spirit. Neighbors look out for one another and rally to support local causes. Newcomers are welcomed with open arms.
The Ashland Police Department fosters excellent public relations through outreach programs like National Night Out and Coffee with a Cop Officers make community safety a shared priority
From fraternal organizations to youth sports leagues, opportunities abound for civic engagement. The Rotary Club, Lion’s Club, American Legion Post #175, and Optimist Club encourage volunteering.
Family Friendly
Ashland entices families with top-rated schools, enrichment activities, and a fun, safe environment for kids. Hanover County Public Schools operate two elementary schools and one middle school within town limits. The high school is minutes away.
The Ashland branch library buzzes with children’s programming, from story times to Lego club. Carter Park Pool provides summertime swimming and recreation. Pufferbelly Park boasts a skate park, playground, walking trails and open space.
Annual events like the 4th of July Parade and Fireworks, Trick-or-Treating on England Street, and Christmas Parade spread holiday cheer all year long.
Business Opportunity
Although a small town, Ashland punches above its weight economically. The town fosters growth through business incentives, development opportunities, and partnerships.
Downtown storefronts now house popular eateries like Homemades by Suzanne and Ellwood Thompson’s. Pounce Cat Cafe and Pet Selfie Studio proves Ashland embraces fresh concepts.
Recent initiatives include targeted grant programs, such as Façade Improvement and Outdoor Recreation/Route 1 Enhancement. The Economic Development department assists entrepreneurs every step of the way.
With two exits off Interstate 95, Ashland grabs the attention of travelers and developers alike. It’s an ideal spot for corporate investment. The town is currently reviewing plans for a mega mixed-use development called Iron Horse.
Access to Nature
Although a developed town, Ashland maintains close ties to nature through conservation efforts. Its nickname, Tree City USA, reflects the value residents place on green space and responsible environmental stewardship.
The town partners with Hanover County to acquire open space for parks and trails. Pocahontas State Park, just minutes away, provides over 6,000 acres of wooded tranquility. The James and South Anna Rivers offer boating, fishing and swimming.
Volunteers help remove litter from roadways during the Adopt-A-Highway program. The Public Works department proactively implements projects to protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.
Historic Charm
History buffs will relish Ashland’s historic attractions. The original Ashland train station now houses the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. Just across the street lies the majestic, Greek Revival-style town hall dating back to 1858.
The downtown walking tour allows you to explore over two dozen historic sites and markers. Stops include the Starke House, Duncan Memorial Chapel, Our Lady of the Rosary Church, and Henry Clay Elementary, built in 1937 as Ashland High School.
For Civil War enthusiasts, Ashland offers a strategic vantage point. Several key battles were fought nearby, like Beaver Dam Creek, Gaines Mill, Cold Harbor and Yellow Tavern. In fact, Ashland changed hands over 70 times during the war!
Hometown Pride
More than anything, Ashland is a place its residents are proud to call home. The small town atmosphere fosters fellowship; the proximity to metro Richmond feeds creativity and diversity.
Civic groups like the Ashland Beautification Committee ensure public spaces reflect the friendly, flourishing community. Annual events celebrate heritage while creating new traditions.
From its railroad beginnings to recent revitalization, Ashland continues evolving while staying grounded in its small town identity. The blend of history, progress, nature, and community makes Ashland a one-of-a-kind hometown.
Welcome to the Town of Ashland
The Town of Ashland is located along Route 11, sixty five miles north of I-95 and twenty miles west of Presque Isle by way of Route 163 and Route 227. Forty miles of Route 11 continuing from Ashland to the northern border of Maine is designated as scenic highway by the State of Maine. A private woods road, maintained to support wood harvesting operations, is open for the public by permit and stretches west from Ashland through 100 miles of forests, lakes, rivers, mountains and streams to Dauquam, Province of Quebec, Canada.