# Spotsylvania County

> county in Virginia, United States

**Wikidata**: [Q506202](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q506202)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spotsylvania_County,_Virginia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spotsylvania-county

## Summary
Spotsylvania County is a county in the U.S. state of Virginia, established in 1721 and named after Alexander Spotswood. It is part of the Arlington–Alexandria–Reston metropolitan division and is known for its historical significance, including its role in the American Civil War. The county spans 1,068 square kilometers and has a population of over 140,000 as of the 2020 census.

## Key Facts
- **Establishment**: Founded in 1721, Spotsylvania County is one of Virginia's oldest counties.
- **Location**: Located in the Eastern Time Zone, it shares borders with Orange County, Culpeper County, Stafford County, Caroline County, Hanover County, Louisa County, and the city of Fredericksburg.
- **Area**: Covers 1,068 square kilometers, with 3.1% of its area being water.
- **Population**: As of the 2020 census, the population was 140,032, up from 122,397 in 2010.
- **Elevation**: The county has an average elevation of 94 meters above sea level.
- **Capital**: Spotsylvania Courthouse serves as the county seat.
- **Named After**: The county is named after Alexander Spotswood, a former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.
- **Economy**: The per capita income was $38,731 as of the 2016–2020 American Community Survey.
- **Households**: There were 45,463 households as of the 2016–2020 American Community Survey.
- **Identifiers**: The county has various identifiers, including a FIPS code of 51177, a GNIS feature ID of 1480172, and a HASC code of US.VA.SP.
- **Website**: The official website is [https://www.spotsylvania.va.us/](https://www.spotsylvania.va.us/).
- **Postal Codes**: Includes ZIP codes 22551 and 22553.
- **Timezone**: Operates in the Eastern Time Zone.

## FAQs
**What is the history of Spotsylvania County?**
Spotsylvania County was established in 1721 and is named after Alexander Spotswood, a prominent figure in Virginia's colonial history. It played a significant role during the American Civil War, hosting several key battles.

**What is the population of Spotsylvania County?**
As of the 2020 census, the population of Spotsylvania County was 140,032. This marks a significant increase from the 122,397 residents recorded in the 2010 census.

**What are the geographical features of Spotsylvania County?**
Spotsylvania County covers an area of 1,068 square kilometers, with 3.1% of its area being water. The county has an average elevation of 94 meters above sea level and is located in the Eastern Time Zone.

**What is the economic status of Spotsylvania County?**
The per capita income in Spotsylvania County was $38,731 as of the 2016–2020 American Community Survey. The county had 45,463 households during the same period.

**What are the neighboring counties of Spotsylvania County?**
Spotsylvania County shares borders with Orange County, Culpeper County, Stafford County, Caroline County, Hanover County, Louisa County, and the city of Fredericksburg.

## Why It Matters
Spotsylvania County holds significant historical importance, particularly due to its role in the American Civil War. The county's establishment in 1721 makes it one of the oldest in Virginia, contributing to its rich cultural and historical heritage. Its strategic location within the Arlington–Alexandria–Reston metropolitan division enhances its economic and social relevance. The county's growing population and economic indicators reflect its ongoing development and importance within the state of Virginia.

## Notable For
- **Historical Significance**: Spotsylvania County is notable for its role in the American Civil War and its establishment in 1721.
- **Population Growth**: The county has seen significant population growth, increasing from 122,397 in 2010 to 140,032 in 2020.
- **Geographical Features**: The county covers a substantial area of 1,068 square kilometers, with a diverse landscape that includes water bodies.
- **Economic Indicators**: With a per capita income of $38,731 and 45,463 households, the county demonstrates strong economic vitality.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Named after Alexander Spotswood, the county has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its historical sites and landmarks.

## Body
### History
Spotsylvania County was established in 1721, making it one of the oldest counties in Virginia. It is named after Alexander Spotswood, who served as the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 1710 to 1722. The county played a crucial role during the American Civil War, hosting several significant battles, including the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse.

### Geography
Spotsylvania County covers an area of 1,068 square kilometers, with 3.1% of its area being water. The county has an average elevation of 94 meters above sea level and is located in the Eastern Time Zone. It shares borders with several counties, including Orange County, Culpeper County, Stafford County, Caroline County, Hanover County, Louisa County, and the city of Fredericksburg.

### Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Spotsylvania County had a population of 140,032, marking a significant increase from the 122,397 residents recorded in the 2010 census. The county's population growth reflects its ongoing development and attractiveness as a place to live and work.

### Economy
The per capita income in Spotsylvania County was $38,731 as of the 2016–2020 American Community Survey. The county had 45,463 households during the same period, indicating a robust economic environment. The county's economic indicators reflect its vitality and importance within the state of Virginia.

### Government and Administration
Spotsylvania Courthouse serves as the county seat and is the administrative center of Spotsylvania County. The county is part of the Arlington–Alexandria–Reston metropolitan division, which enhances its economic and social relevance. The official website of Spotsylvania County is [https://www.spotsylvania.va.us/](https://www.spotsylvania.va.us/).

### Identifiers and Codes
Spotsylvania County has various identifiers, including a FIPS code of 51177, a GNIS feature ID of 1480172, and a HASC code of US.VA.SP. These identifiers are used for administrative and statistical purposes.

### Postal Codes
The county includes ZIP codes 22551 and 22553, which are used for mail delivery and other administrative purposes.

### Cultural Heritage
Spotsylvania County is named after Alexander Spotswood, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. The county is home to several historical sites and landmarks, including the Spotsylvania Courthouse, which serves as the county seat.

### Notable Features
Spotsylvania County is known for its historical significance, population growth, geographical features, economic indicators, and cultural heritage. These features contribute to the county's importance and relevance within the state of Virginia.

## References

1. Open ISNI for Organizations
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Government Units. Geographic Names Information System](http://geonames.usgs.gov/docs/stategaz/GOVT_UNITS_20131208.zip)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. MusicBrainz
6. [2010 United States Census](http://www.census.gov/popest/data/counties/totals/2013/files/CO-EST2013-Alldata.csv)
7. [2010 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0100000US%241600000&y=2010&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29)
8. [Source](http://www.census.gov/popest/data/counties/totals/2013/files/CO-EST2013-Alldata.csv)
9. [Population Estimates Program](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html)
10. [2020 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Populations%20and%20People&g=0100000US,%241600000&y=2020)
11. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables)
12. GeoNames
13. [Source](https://ballotpedia.org/Counties_in_Virginia)
14. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
15. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
16. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
17. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
18. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Income%20and%20Poverty&g=0100000US,%241600000&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1902)