King William County, Administrative county in Virginia, US
King William County is an administrative county in Virginia that lies between the Mattaponi River to the north and the Pamunkey River to the south. These two rivers converge and form the York River at West Point, defining the geography of the region.
The county was formed in 1702 from the territory of King and Queen County and took its name from King William III of England. Boundary adjustments in 1720 and 1727 shaped its current borders.
The name comes from King William III of England, and this royal connection remains part of how locals understand their region. Place names and local institutions reflect this historical tie to the English crown.
The historic courthouse, built in 1725, remains the center of local government and provides access to public records for residents and researchers. Visitors should know that past losses mean some records may be incomplete or need alternative sources.
A fire in 1885 destroyed many of the county's records, and British forces also eliminated the 1810 census data. Genealogists now rely on tax records and other documents to trace family histories and compensate for these losses.
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