Like much of eastern Virginia, the site of Colonial Heights was located within the Algonquian-speaking confederation known as Tenakomakah, ruled by Chief Powhatan, when the English colonists arrived at Jamestown on May 14, 1607.

Captain John Smith's early map of Virginia testifies that the present area of Colonial Heights included the principal town of the Appamattuck subtribe, led by their weroance, Coquonasum, and his sister, Oppussoquionuske.

In the aftermath of the Indian attacks of 1622 and 1644, the Appamattuck became tributary to England and relocated to nearby Ettrick, and its opposite bank, near Fort Henry (within modern-day Petersburg, Virginia).

Shortly thereafter, Charles Magnor registered the first land patent in the area for 650 acres (2.6 km2), which he later developed into a plantation before selling it in 1634.

His son, Richard Kennon, Jr., was also a member of the House of Burgesses and married the daughter of Col. Robert Bolling, the emigrant, and his second wife, the former Anne Stith.

In May 1781, Continental Army troops under the General Marquis de Lafayette advanced south from Richmond and deployed artillery on the heights overlooking Petersburg from across the Appomattox River.

From the lawn of this house, in May 1781, General Lafayette — with cannon behind a boxwood hedge that still fringes the hill — shelled Petersburg, then occupied by British troops under Major-General William Phillips (who died of typhoid during this bombardment).

General Robert E. Lee made his headquarters at Violet Bank from June through September during the Siege of Petersburg in 1864.

Originally seeking to be annexed by the City of Petersburg, in the face of overwhelming public support, a judge's ruling instead saw Colonial Heights designated an incorporated town.

The new road and bridge effectively opened a large previously isolated tract of land along the southeastern edge of the city for commercial development.

It caused extensive damage to the Southpark Mall and collapsed the roof of an old Wal-Mart (now Sam's Club) store.

In the Tri-Cities area, the tornado killed four people (three in Wal-Mart and one in Prince George), injured 246, and caused an estimated $50 million in property damage.

wind speeds 86-110 mph) produced a near two miles (3.2 km) long, though discontinuous, path through Colonial Heights.

Several cars were flipped and piled in the parking lot of a strip mall (which had extensive roof damage) that is less than a tenth of a mile from the site of the old Walmart which was destroyed by an F4 tornado on August 6, 1993.

The tornado then continued across Temple Avenue, causing tree and roof damage in the neighborhood near Fine Drive and Puddledock Road (in Prince George County) before lifting for good.

Three area attractions with historic roots are Violet Bank, Swift Creek Mill, and the world's largest Arby's.

According to The Comparative Guide to American Suburbs, in 2012 88.3% of people living in Colonial Heights above the age of 25 have a high school diploma of GED.

The area is served by three schools of higher education: The city of Colonial Heights has nine parks composed of 75 acres that they must maintain.

In addition to these nine parks, the city also maintains many other recreational facilities such as ballfields (including Shephard Stadium), a soccer complex, and tennis courts.

This park consists of land surrounding the Appomattox River and falls along the Petersburg border of Colonial Heights.

This park is historical and according to the Colonial Heights City website noted as where five Union ships sailed Confederate Troops on June 11, 1864.

This may be Colonial Heights's most abundant park, filled with amenities such as an amphitheater, ballfields, basketball courts, drinking fountain, fishing pier, pavilions, picnic shelters, playgrounds, restrooms, and trails.

In addition to the playgrounds, trails, and picnic tables, Lakeview Park is home to a boating ramp where community members can go fishing during daylight.

Roslyn Landing Park is located at Appomattox River Trail, Colonial Heights, VA 23834.

The hottest weather is seen from June through August, July's daily average temperature is 79.3 degrees Fahrenheit.

In 1972, and again in 1980, Colonial Heights gave the GOP nominee the largest percentage of the vote of any county or incorporated city in Virginia.