ABOUT VIRGINIA: Fredericksburg, VA

Fredericksburg, Virginia occupies 10.5 square miles along the stunning Rappahannock River in the region once considered part of Spotsylvania County. Established in 1728, Fredericksburg was named in honor of Frederick, the Prince of Wales, and son of King George II. Between 1720 and 1780 Fredericksburg served as the seat of Spotsylvania County. The town was incorporated in 1871. Fredericksburg received a charter in 1879, establishing it as an independent city.

Fredericksburg features an intricate system of transportation, with the busy highways of US-1, US-17, and I-95 passing through the city boundaries. Fredericksburg's diverse economy includes more than 20 major industries, the largest of which are manufacturing, retail trade and health care. In 2007, local health care positions provided an average wage of $48,940 per year. Fredericksburg lies just 50 miles outside of Washington, D.C., where a sizable number of residents commute to work each day. Other citizens also commute by bus, car or rail to employment opportunities in Arlington, Fairfax and  Prince William counties.

This VA Commonwealth community lies within the massive Washington Metropolitan Area, where the cities of Richmond and Washington, D.C., our nation's capital, are within an hour's drive. At the time of the 2000 Census, Fredericksburg's population was 19,279. James Madison,  James Monroe, and George Washington are just a few of the many notable residents who once called Fredericksburg home.

Fredericksburg, known as "America's Most Historic City," abounds with captivating sites of interest for history buffs. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park commemorates the local Civil War battlefields and is the site of the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. This history-rich community is also home to the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, the Kenmore Plantation, the  Mary Washington House, the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library, and the United States National Slavery Museum

While in the area, visitors are within easy reach of the George Washington Birthplace National Monument found in Westmoreland County. In nearby Stafford County, where George Washington lived as a child, you'll find the fascinating Ferry Farm historic site. Belmont, the home of artist Gari Melchers, is in Falmouth.

Downtown Fredericksburg displays an enchanting combination of historic ambiance with all the fine cuisine, entertainment, and retail establishments of a modern cosmopolitan city. Other popular sites in Fredericksburg include Alum Spring Park, Carl's Ice Cream, Central Park Fun-land, Hugh Mercer Apothecary, St. George's Church, and Spotsylvania Towne Center. Sports fans also have access to the exciting events of the Fredericksburg Gunners, the University of Mary Washington Eagles, and the Virginia High School League Sports.

Fredericksburg City Schools provide outstanding opportunities for public education in the area, while more than a dozen private schooling options are also available. The University of Mary Washington serves the higher educational needs of students from Virginia and around the country. In addition, institutions such as the College of Southern Maryland, George Mason University, Marymount University, and George Washington University are all within an hour's drive of Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, Virginia affords a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational options. From the scenic parks and quiet historic markers, to the lively sporting events and unique shopping opportunities, Fredericksburg has something for everyone.

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