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.
