City of Fredericksburg, Virginia

City of Fredericksburg Education, Geography, and History

Fredericksburg is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of 2013, the population was 28,132. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Fredericksburg with neighboring Spotsylvania County for statistical purposes.

Located 49 miles (79 km) south of Washington, D.C. and 58 miles (93 km) north of Richmond, Fredericksburg is part of the Northern Virginia region and is included in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area

Etymology - Origin of City of Fredericksburg Name

Fredericksburg, in Spotsylvania County, was named for Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales, eldest son of George II.

Demographics:

County QuickFacts: City of Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg City History

The City is situated along the Rappahannock River and located within the Spotsylvania county lines, but politically independent. The City was founded in 1728 was incorporated as a town in 1782, and became a city in 1879, and named after Prince Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales, the father of George III of England. Fredericksburg was incorporated as a town in 1781 and became a city in 1879. You can read the City's charter on-line. Fredericksburg has taken on two different dimensions over the years. While it's many historic sites and lovely tree shaded residential neighborhoods give it a unique colonial atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors, the town also serves as the focal point of business, shopping and finance for its neighboring counties. The historic part of the city itself only covers 40 square blocks, but the City of Fredericksburg covers 10 square miles. The historical district has over 350 original buildings built before 1870. The population in Fredericksburg is just over 20,000 and growing daily with a median income of around $40,000. Fredericksburg was the boyhood home of young George Washington, James Monroe practiced law here, and Thomas Jefferson also lived in our city. Many civil war battles were fought here or near the city. For more about the history check here for links and historical places to visit.

Fredericksburg, Virginia established in 1727. [Virginia Genealogy, Sources & Resources, by Carol McGinnis, Genealogical Publishing Inc., Baltimore, MD, 1993.]

Fredericksburg, Virginia incorporated as a town in 1782 and incorporated as a city in 1879. Located in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. [Virginia Genealogy, Sources & Resources, by Carol McGinnis, Genealogical Publishing Inc., Baltimore, MD, 1993.]

Geography: Land and Water

As reported by the Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.5 square miles (27.2 km²). None of the area is covered with water. The city is part of the boundary between the Piedmont and Tidewater regions, and as such is located on the fall line, as evidently seen on the Rappahannock River. US-1, US-17, and I-95 all pass through the city, which is located approximately 50 miles from Washington, D.C.

It is bounded on the north and east by the Rappahannock River; across the river is Stafford County; and is bounded on the south and west by Spotsylvania County.

Neighboring Counties

Bordering counties are as follows:

• The City is situated along the Rappahannock River and located within the Spotsylvania county lines, but politically independent.

Education

The Fredericksburg City Public Schools are run independent of the surrounding counties.

Higher education

The University of Mary Washington, established in 1908 and opening in 1911, is a four-year public university within the city.

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