Rappahannock County

Rappahannock County is a rural area in northern Virginia with rolling hills, farmland, and portions of the Blue Ridge Mountains across its landscape. The terrain shows a mix of cultivated fields, forests, and mountain ridges that define the region.

The Virginia General Assembly created this county in 1833 by separating it from Culpeper County to serve the growing population in the north. This division reflected the need to manage the expanding settlement in the region.

Farming shapes daily life in this area, with regular farmers markets and seasonal fairs where locals sell produce and connect with their heritage. The sight of working farms and rural communities reflects traditions passed down through generations.

The county office in Washington handles property taxes, zoning, and residential permits for the area. Most administrative services are available online for easier access and inquiries.

The name comes from an Algonquian word meaning a river with rapidly rising water levels, reflecting the area's natural water patterns. This origin reveals how the region was named after its distinctive hydrological features.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1833

Capital city: Washington

Part of: Washington–Arlington–Alexandria metropolitan division

Shares border with: Fauquier County, Page County, Warren County, Madison County, Culpeper County

Website: http://rappahannockcountyva.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.69000,-78.17000

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:21