Northumberland County, Virginia

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Northumberland_County_Courthouse

Northumberland County, Virginia is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 11,839. The county seat is Heathsville. Northumberland County is part of the Northern Neck region of Virginia.

History

Northumberland County was established in 1648. It was named after the English county of Northumberland. The county has a rich history, including significant events during the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War.

Geography

Northumberland County is situated on the Northern Neck peninsula, bordered by the Potomac River to the north and the Rappahannock River to the south. The county has a total area of 286 square miles, of which 223 square miles is land and 63 square miles is water.

Adjacent Counties

• Lancaster County - south
• Richmond County - west
• Westmoreland County - northwest

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Northumberland County was 11,839. The county has a diverse demographic composition, with a mix of different age groups, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds.

Economy

The economy of Northumberland County is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The county's location along the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers makes it a popular destination for boating and fishing.

Education

Northumberland County is served by the Northumberland County Public Schools system, which includes Northumberland Elementary School, Northumberland Middle School, and Northumberland High School.

Communities

Towns

• Heathsville (county seat)
• Kilmarnock (partly in Lancaster County)

Unincorporated Communities

• Burgess
• Callao
• Reedville

Notable People

• Robert Carter III, a prominent planter and politician in colonial Virginia.
• Thomas Lee, a leading political figure in colonial Virginia and the father of Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee.

See Also

• List of counties in Virginia
• Northern Neck
• Chesapeake Bay