Northumberland County, Virginia was originally known as Chickacoan, an Indian district on the Northern Neck, lying between the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers, tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay.

In 1648, this  “Mother County of the Northern Neck” was organized and named after County Northumberland, England with the first settler making a permanent home between 1635-1640.

In 1648, Northumberland County, Virginia was officially formed by an act passed by the Burgesses in Jamestown, Virginia. It was later divided into three additional counties: Lancaster, Richmond and Westmoreland. Northumberland County has an area of approximately 222 square miles and a population of 12,400 people.

For hundreds of years, Northumberland remained a county largely isolated from the rest of the state due to the lack of a road network. But in 1926, with the bridge crossing from Essex County to the Northern Neck, with access to the west, growth began in the area.

Surrounded by water and steeped in history, Westmoreland County is the perfect destination for people who love the lessons of the past and the great outdoors. Visit the places where George Washington, James Monroe and Robert E. Lee were born. . . and  where 115 patriots gathered to sign a document, the Leedstown Resolves, which laid the groundwork for revolution. 

Enjoy the pristine beauty of the county's 5,450 acres of natural area and 250 miles of shoreline. Relish fine wines made at local wineries, and fruits and vegetables grown in local gardens. Then rest up for another great day at an historic B&B, a waterfront inn, a modern motel, a vacation cottage or a waterfront campground. 

Strategically located between Washington, DC, and the Chesapeake Bay, Westmoreland County is an ideal place for businesses, visitors and residents who want to enjoy big-city access in a friendly, small-town setting. 

It's rich in history. George Washington, James Madison and James Monroe had roots here. And lying between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, Westmoreland offers abundant recreational opportunities along 250 miles of shoreline.

 (credit: Westmoreland County https://www.westmoreland-county.org/services/visit-westmoreland )

The rural county should not be confused with the large city and state capital Richmond, Virginia. It was formed in 1692 when the first Rappahannock County was divided to form Richmond County and Essex County. It includes 149 miles of Rappahannock River shoreline. 

According to Richmond County government website, "It's a place where the morning coffee comes with a view of eagles and osprey and where tonight's seafood special is whatever takes your bait. It's a place where history lives in the bricks and mortar and where traditions are more important than trends. It's a place where rush hour is a hay baler crossing the highway, where passing motorists smile and wave, a place where you're always welcome. It's Richmond County. For the weekend or forever." 

King George County is bounded on the north by the Potomac River, which lies in Charles County, Maryland. It is bounded on the south by the Rappahannock River, across which lie Caroline and Essex counties; on the east by Westmoreland County and on the west by Stafford County, all in Virginia.

King George County was established in 1720 when land was split from Richmond County, Virginia. The county is named for King George I of Great Britain. It was substantially reorganized in 1776 and 1777, with land swapped with both Stafford and Westmoreland counties to form the modern boundaries.