TOP 10 Public space innovation in Midlothian, Virginia

Midlothian Mines Park, located at 13301 North Woolridge Road in Midlothian, Virginia, is a 44-acre preserve that was once one of the first major industrial sites in the United States. Opened in 2004, the park now stands as a tribute to the courage, innovation, and sacrifice of those who played a part in the U.S. industrial revolution. The cut stone ruins of the mines are surrounded by beautiful woodland, creating a serene and historic atmosphere for visitors to explore. This park is dedicated to the citizens of Chesterfield County, both past and present. It tells the triumphant and tragic story of the first commercial coal mines in America, highlighting the experiences of the nation's first coal barons and the hundreds of slaves, poor whites, and immigrants who worked alongside them in dangerous conditions. The park is free and open to the public from 6:00AM to 8:30PM, allowing visitors to learn about the history of the mines and the people who helped shape them.