A new historic marker recognizing the Ziontown community in Henrico County was dedicated Dec. 3 in a ceremony hosted by the Family & Friends of Ziontown and the Henrico Historic Preservation Advisory Committee as part of the Historical Roadside Marker program.The community was founded in 1870 by Henry Pryor, a formerly enslaved man, who purchased 5 acres around the area now known as Ridge Road at Fountain Lane and extending south to River Road. He named the settlement Ziontown, meaning Heavenly Place. The community grew to include about 50 homes with up to 275 residents. Subdivisions have encroached upon the area in recent decades. Last week’s celebration drew longtime residents, as well as those who grew up in the area and others with ties to the community, including the Lambert family, whose home in the 8300 block of Ridge Road served as the site of the dedication. Among the attendees are, from left, John A. Lambert Sr.; Richmond City Councilwoman Ann-Frances Lambert; Brenda Dabney Nichols, who led the marker effort; Richard A. Lambert; the Rev. Larry Collins; and Dr. Colita Nichols Fairfax.
