Spotsylvania County

Spotsylvania County is an administrative division in northern Virginia between Fredericksburg and Lake Anna. The area combines residential neighborhoods with wooded tracts and several river courses that flow through gently rolling terrain.

Several battles of the American Civil War took place here between 1862 and 1864, shaping large portions of the landscape with defensive lines and conflict sites. Those events transformed farmland and forest into military ground whose traces remain visible today.

The region maintains seven local wineries that contribute to Virginia's wine production, generating substantial revenue through wine tourism and tastings.

Visitors can explore the many historical sites and nature trails without special permits, with road networks allowing both hiking and cycling access. Most landmarks lie along well-marked routes suitable for families.

Large sections of 19th-century battle lines and trenches lie hidden beneath present-day forest cover and become visible only during guided walks. Archaeologists have recovered numerous ammunition and equipment remnants from these wooded sections over recent decades.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1721

Capital city: Spotsylvania Courthouse

Part of: Arlington–Alexandria–Reston metropolitan division

Shares border with: Orange County, Culpeper County, Stafford County, Caroline County, Hanover County, Louisa County, Fredericksburg

Website: https://spotsylvania.va.us

GPS coordinates: 38.18000,-77.65000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:09