One of the oldest political subdivisions in Virginia, Henrico was the scene of the second settlement in the colony and was established in 1634 as one of the eight original shires or counties. Its first boundaries incorporated an area from which 10 Virginia counties were later formed in whole or in part, as well as the cities of Richmond, Charlottesville, and Colonial Heights. The county was named for Henry, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of King James I of England.

Today, Henrico's 260,000 residents live in a well-planned community of 244.06 square miles (635 square kilometers) consisting of beautiful residential communities, large expanses of fertile farm land, and carefully developed office, retail, and diversified industrial areas.

Henrico has an extensive network of park and recreational facilities, many of which have historic significance. For example, Meadow Farm, former home of Mosby Sheppard, is one of several Henrico sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This 150-acre farm was donated to the County of Henrico by Mrs. Elizabeth Adam Crump, wife of the late Adjutant General of Virginia Sheppard Crump, a descendent of the original owner. Meadow Farm is now the site of a nursing home, museum, and park.