Culpeper County

Culpeper County is an administrative region in northern Virginia marked by rolling hills and farmland, with the Blue Ridge Mountains forming a natural boundary to the west. The area blends agricultural zones with residential communities and is connected by several major highways that serve as primary routes through the region.

The county was established in 1749 when separated from Orange County and named for Thomas Colepeper, a governor who served Virginia decades earlier. Early surveying work conducted here became significant to the founding and development of the young nation.

Rural farming traditions shape the daily rhythm here, with agricultural life and historic sites woven into the community's fabric. You'll notice this heritage in local markets and throughout the towns, where farming remains central to how people live and work.

The region is well-connected by major highways including US 15, US 29, US 211, and US 522, making travel straightforward by car to other nearby areas. Roads wind through towns and past farmland, so a vehicle is helpful for exploring at your own pace.

George Washington took his first professional job here at age 17 as a county surveyor, launching a career path that would eventually lead to the presidency. This early work honed his technical skills and built networks that proved crucial to his later military and political rise.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1749

Capital city: Culpeper

Part of: Arlington–Alexandria–Reston metropolitan division

Shares border with: Fauquier County, Stafford County, Orange County, Madison County, Rappahannock County, Spotsylvania County

Website: http://culpepercounty.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.49000,-77.96000

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:50