The City of Fredericksburg was named by Life in America's Small
Cities as the "Third Best Small City in the Country". History abounds. George Washington's mother lived in Fredericksburg
and James Monroe located his law practice here. The Civil War was fought on it streets. A forty block National Register Historic
District includes not only many historic attractions and restored private homes, but also antique shops, fine restaurants,
galleries and craft boutiques. The city is situated right on the Rappahannock River which offers many recreational possibilities.
Annual calendar of events are filled with festivals, celebrations, theater programs, tours, concerts and art exhibits at Mary
Washington College. Mary Washington Hospital Medicorp is a high tech, dynamic medical facility that provides the community
with state-of-the-art health care.
Stafford County is just 40 miles south of Washington D.C. it has two commuter train
stops for the Virginia Railroad Express. George Washington's home at Ferry Farm and the American impressionist artist Geri
Melchers' Belmont home are just a couple of the historic attractions. Stafford, Spotsylvania, and King George Counties
are the fastest growing counties in the area and are two of the fastest growing in Virginia for residential, commercial and
industrial development. Stafford County also has a regional airport.
Spotsylvania County experienced a tremendous
growth with the residential explosion of the 80's. Numerous schools were built to accommodate the influx of residents who
sought the better quality of life in the County and in the area as a whole. Germanna Community College recently opened a new
campus in the Lee's Hill Area. Lake Anna, a 13,000 acre lake, is a recreational delight. In the County history abounds; The
civil war battles of Wilderness, Chancellorsville, and Spotsylvania Courthouse were fought here. The County also hosts one
of the area's largest shopping malls.
Orange
County is just an hour and a half drive from Washington D.C. and was created in 1734. Orange county is rich
in heritage and once extended to the Mississippi River and the Great lakes. Antoinette Arsic, in an article published in the
Piedmont Area Real Estate magazine, describes Route 20 as one of Virginia's most scenic byways noting how the road winds through
farmlands and massive estates into Virginia's horse and wine country. Route 20 and Orange County history fascinates genealogists
and historians; The Orange County Historical Society maintains more than 2,000 volumes and 1,000 files of information on local
families, historic buildings, and sites, as well as a map collection. In the 1930's gold was mined in the county. Lake of
the Woods is a large recreation oriented community located in the Eastern part of the County. Its amenities include lakes
for boating and fishing, a golf course, swimming pools, restaurant and club house, and horse stables. the community also has
its own fire department and security force.
King
George County is bound by the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. It is called the "Gateway to the Northern
Neck", the long strip of land extending eastward from King George. Despite its growth and closeness to urban areas, King
George maintains a rural, Arcadian quality. Caledon State Park and Lends End Wildlife Preserve are perfect for outdoor lovers.
James Madison, elected President in 1809, was born in the County. King George is home to the Naval Surface Warfare Center
at Dahlgren.
Caroline County boasts
two incorporated towns, Bowling Green, which is the county seat, and Port Royal. Port Royal is on the Rappahannock River and
was a busy trading center in the 1700's. It is one of only three towns in the U.S. to be listed on both the state and federal
registers of historic places. The county is close to Richmond, Virginia's capitol. Caroline County has remained largely rural.
There are several lake communities and a couple of larger planned town communities should add to the Counties residents. The
County is home to Army Post, A.P. Hill. Timber and farming are still important industries. Many of the residents work in and
commute to Richmond and Northern Virginia.
Lake
Anna is the second largest lake located entirely in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The lake stretches 17 miles
in length; and with a shoreline of over 200 miles Lake Anna is a recreational focal point for the area. More than 30 species
of fish inhabit Lake Anna waters. Popular among fisherman are the largemouth bass, striped bass, walleye, catfish, white and
yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, and thredfin shad. The recreational use of the lake is overseen by the Virginia Department
of Game and Inland Fisheries. Lake Anna is also a great place to get your water skies wet or just enjoy the pleasures of boating.
Seasonal and year 'round homes in rural settings lure urbanites to vacation and live in the Lake Anna area.
