Amelia County, Virginia
County in Virginia, United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Amelia County is a county located just southwest of Richmond in the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States. The county is located in Central Virginia and is included in the Greater Richmond Region. Its county seat is Amelia Court House.[1]
Amelia County, Virginia | |
|---|---|
Amelia County Court House | |
 Seal | |
 Location within the U.S. state of Virginia | |
| Coordinates: 37°20′N 77°59′W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Virginia |
| Founded | 1735 |
| Named after | Princess Amelia |
| Seat | Amelia Court House |
| Area | |
• Total | 359 sq mi (930 km2) |
| • Land | 355 sq mi (920 km2) |
| • Water | 3.3 sq mi (8.5 km2) 0.9% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 13,265 |
• Estimate (2024) | 13,716  |
| • Density | 37.4/sq mi (14.4/km2) |
| Demonym(s) | Amelian, Amellianaire |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 23002, 23083, 23105 |
| Congressional district | 5th |
| Website | va-ameliacounty |
Amelia County was created in 1735 from parts of Prince George and Brunswick counties and was named in honor of Princess Amelia of Great Britain. Parts of the county were later carved out to create Prince Edward and Nottoway counties.
As of the 2020 census, the county population was 13,265.[2]
History
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Amelia County was created by legislative act in 1734 and 1735[3] from parts of Prince George and Brunswick counties. The county is named for Princess Amelia of Great Britain, daughter of King George II. As was customary, Amelia County was reduced by the division of territory to form newer counties as the population increased in the region; in 1754, Prince Edward County was formed from parts of Amelia County, and in 1789, Nottoway County was formed. The area was developed for plantation agriculture dependent on slave labor.
During the Civil War, Confederate general Robert E. Lee and his army spent April 4 and 5, 1865, at Amelia Court House before his surrender on April 9 to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox. The last major battle of his army was fought at Sayler's Creek, on the border of Amelia and Prince Edward counties, on April 6.
Amelia is known for its minerals, including the nation's best supply of amazonite, a green feldspar found at the Morefield mine. In the 19th century, spas were developed around its mineral springs, which were destinations for travelers.
In 1986 the Amelia County Fair sponsored a competition for the world's largest potato pancake (with apple sauce). It was constructed to raise money that year for the German American National Scholarship Fund. The pancake weighed more than two and one-quarter tons and used four truckloads of potatoes.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 359 square miles (930 km2), of which 355 square miles (920 km2) is land and 3.3 square miles (8.5 km2) (0.9%) is water.[4]
Amelia County lies in the Piedmont region of Virginia, known for rolling hills and small ridges that lie between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Coastal Plain of Virginia. The county is bordered by the Appomattox River to the north and west, and Namozine Creek to the east.
Amelia County is drained by tributaries of the Appomattox. The lowest elevation in the county is 158 feet (48 m), on Lake Chesdin on the Appomattox at the eastern extremity of the county. The highest elevation is 525 feet (160 m), on SR 616 (S. Genito Road) at the community of Gills in the southwest corner of the county.[5]
Adjacent counties
- Powhatan County – north
- Chesterfield County – east
- Dinwiddie County – southeast
- Nottoway County – south
- Prince Edward County – southwest
- Cumberland County – west
Transportation
Air
- Richmond International Airport is located 51 miles (82 km) northeast of Amelia County.
US Highways
US 360 (Patrick Henry Highway. Eastbound to Richmond. Westbound to Burkeville and Danville.)
State Routes
Secondary Routes
Rail
- Norfolk Southern – freight rail service
Demographics
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1790 | 18,097 | — | |
| 1800 | 9,432 | −47.9% | |
| 1810 | 10,594 | 12.3% | |
| 1820 | 11,104 | 4.8% | |
| 1830 | 11,036 | −0.6% | |
| 1840 | 10,320 | −6.5% | |
| 1850 | 9,770 | −5.3% | |
| 1860 | 10,741 | 9.9% | |
| 1870 | 9,878 | −8.0% | |
| 1880 | 10,377 | 5.1% | |
| 1890 | 9,068 | −12.6% | |
| 1900 | 9,037 | −0.3% | |
| 1910 | 8,720 | −3.5% | |
| 1920 | 9,800 | 12.4% | |
| 1930 | 8,799 | −10.2% | |
| 1940 | 8,495 | −3.5% | |
| 1950 | 7,908 | −6.9% | |
| 1960 | 7,815 | −1.2% | |
| 1970 | 7,592 | −2.9% | |
| 1980 | 8,405 | 10.7% | |
| 1990 | 8,787 | 4.5% | |
| 2000 | 11,400 | 29.7% | |
| 2010 | 12,690 | 11.3% | |
| 2020 | 13,265 | 4.5% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 13,716 | [6] | 3.4% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[7] 1790-1960[8] 1900-1990[9] 1990-2000[10] 2010[11] 2020[12] | |||
Racial and ethnic composition
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[13] | Pop 1990[14] | Pop 2000[15] | Pop 2010[11] | Pop 2020[12] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 5,108 | 5,905 | 8,007 | 9,233 | 9,687 | 60.77% | 67.20% | 70.24% | 72.76% | 73.03% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 3,164 | 2,809 | 3,183 | 2,925 | 2,546 | 37.64% | 31.97% | 27.92% | 23.05% | 19.19% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 4 | 14 | 32 | 39 | 18 | 0.05% | 0.16% | 0.28% | 0.31% | 0.14% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 22 | 13 | 19 | 27 | 63 | 0.26% | 0.15% | 0.17% | 0.21% | 0.47% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) | x [16] | x [17] | 2 | 0 | 0 | x | x | 0.02% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 17 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 50 | 0.20% | 0.01% | 0.04% | 0.08% | 0.38% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x [18] | x [19] | 61 | 166 | 476 | x | x | 0.54% | 1.31% | 3.59% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 90 | 45 | 91 | 290 | 425 | 1.07% | 0.51% | 0.80% | 2.29% | 3.20% |
| Total | 8,405 | 8,787 | 11,400 | 12,690 | 13,265 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 13,265. The median age was 46.1 years. 20.2% of residents were under the age of 18 and 21.0% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 98.0 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 94.8 males age 18 and over.[20][21]
The racial makeup of the county was 73.7% White, 19.3% Black or African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 1.5% from some other race, and 4.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 3.2% of the population.[21]
0.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.[22]
There were 5,206 households in the county, of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 22.4% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[20]
There were 5,704 housing units, of which 8.7% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 81.8% were owner-occupied and 18.2% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.8% and the rental vacancy rate was 5.8%.[20]
2000 Census
As of the census[23] of 2000, there were 11,400 people, 4,240 households, and 3,175 families residing in the county. The population density was 32 people per square mile (12 people/km2). There were 4,609 housing units, at an average density of 13 units per square mile (5.0 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 70.57% White, 28.05% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.25% from other races, and 0.67% from two or more races. 0.80% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 4,240 households, of which 32.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.10% were married couples living together, 11.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.10% were non-families. 20.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.07.
The median age was 38 years, with 25.30% under 18, 6.70% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 25.40% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females, there were 97.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.20 males.
The median household income was $40,252, and the median family income was $47,157. Males had a median income of $32,315, versus $23,102 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,858. 8.40% of the population and 6.70% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 7.10% were under the age of 18 and 11.70% were 65 or older.
Culture
Seasonal Events
- A countywide festival called Amelia Day is held each May on the Saturday before Mother's Day in Amelia Court House. The festival started in the 1980s to celebrate the town's founding. Vendors, local clubs, and citizens organize to enjoy music, dancing, and socializing. At the first Amelia Day in 1985, residents signed a long roll that, along with other items, was put in a time capsule and buried in the courthouse green near the Confederate War Memorial. The capsule is scheduled to be opened in 2035.
- The Amelia County Fair is held in late summer or early fall each year at the Joe Paulette Memorial Park in Amelia Court House.[24]
- Each October, the Amelia Frightfest, a trail haunt, opens at Tom Scott Park in Amelia Court House.
- Every year from April to October, on the second Saturday of every month, The Time Bandits car club hosts a car show at the Truist Bank parking lot on Patrick Henry Highway.[25]
Attractions
- Sayler's Creek Battlefield State Park
- Lake Chesdin
- Amelia Wildlife Management Area
- Amelia Country Club
Government
Board of Supervisors
- District 1: David M. Felts Jr. (Chairman)
- District 2: Dexter Jones
- District 3: Benjamin "Benji" Morris
- District 4: H. Joseph Easter IV
- District 5: Todd Robinson (Vice Chairman)
Constitutional officers
- Clerk of the Circuit Court: Marilyn L. Wilson (D)
- Commissioner of the Revenue: Laura Walsh (I)
- Commonwealth's Attorney: Lee R. Harrison (I)
- Sheriff: Rick Walker (I)
- Treasurer: Stephanie Coleman (I)
Amelia County is represented by Republican John McGuire in the Virginia Senate, Republican Lee Ware in the Virginia House of Delegates, and Republican Bob Good in the U.S. House of Representatives.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1912 | 32 | 7.82% | 325 | 79.46% | 52 | 12.71% |
| 1916 | 80 | 16.39% | 403 | 82.58% | 5 | 1.02% |
| 1920 | 179 | 31.18% | 389 | 67.77% | 6 | 1.05% |
| 1924 | 153 | 28.33% | 372 | 68.89% | 15 | 2.78% |
| 1928 | 277 | 35.74% | 498 | 64.26% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1932 | 142 | 16.63% | 701 | 82.08% | 11 | 1.29% |
| 1936 | 239 | 23.97% | 753 | 75.53% | 5 | 0.50% |
| 1940 | 267 | 32.13% | 562 | 67.63% | 2 | 0.24% |
| 1944 | 295 | 34.67% | 553 | 64.98% | 3 | 0.35% |
| 1948 | 372 | 35.16% | 443 | 41.87% | 243 | 22.97% |
| 1952 | 832 | 53.64% | 703 | 45.33% | 16 | 1.03% |
| 1956 | 745 | 43.11% | 403 | 23.32% | 580 | 33.56% |
| 1960 | 784 | 51.44% | 708 | 46.46% | 32 | 2.10% |
| 1964 | 1,348 | 60.21% | 884 | 39.48% | 7 | 0.31% |
| 1968 | 857 | 33.90% | 830 | 32.83% | 841 | 33.27% |
| 1972 | 1,606 | 64.99% | 778 | 31.49% | 87 | 3.52% |
| 1976 | 1,634 | 47.25% | 1,715 | 49.60% | 109 | 3.15% |
| 1980 | 1,969 | 53.20% | 1,643 | 44.39% | 89 | 2.40% |
| 1984 | 2,336 | 61.41% | 1,432 | 37.64% | 36 | 0.95% |
| 1988 | 2,187 | 60.85% | 1,359 | 37.81% | 48 | 1.34% |
| 1992 | 2,062 | 48.82% | 1,534 | 36.32% | 628 | 14.87% |
| 1996 | 2,119 | 51.13% | 1,625 | 39.21% | 400 | 9.65% |
| 2000 | 2,947 | 61.55% | 1,754 | 36.63% | 87 | 1.82% |
| 2004 | 3,499 | 64.83% | 1,862 | 34.50% | 36 | 0.67% |
| 2008 | 3,970 | 60.81% | 2,488 | 38.11% | 71 | 1.09% |
| 2012 | 4,331 | 62.63% | 2,490 | 36.01% | 94 | 1.36% |
| 2016 | 4,708 | 66.88% | 2,128 | 30.23% | 204 | 2.90% |
| 2020 | 5,390 | 68.29% | 2,411 | 30.55% | 92 | 1.17% |
| 2024 | 5,776 | 71.76% | 2,214 | 27.51% | 59 | 0.73% |
Media
The Amelia Bulletin Monitor, a weekly newspaper, has covered the county since 1973.
Education
Public Primary and secondary schools
Amelia County is served by the Amelia County Public Schools.
- Amelia County High School
- Amelia County Middle School
- Amelia County Elementary School
Private Primary and secondary Schools
Communities
There are no incorporated communities in Amelia County.
Census-designated places
Unincorporated communities
- Ammon
- Chula
- Clementown Mills
- Coverly
- Deatonville
- Denaro
- Earls
- Fieldstown
- Giles Mill
- Gills
- Haw Branch
- Jetersville
- Little Patrick[27][28]
- Lodore
- Mannboro
- Maplewood
- Masons Corner[29]
- Mattoax
- Morven
- Namozine
- Otterburn
- Paineville
- Pontons/Ponton's/Pointons[30] Store[31]
- Rodophil
- Scotts Fork
- Truxillo
- Winterham
Historic sites
The following sites in Amelia County are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
Notable people
- William S. Archer, born in Amelia County, United States Senator from Virginia[32]
- Van T. Barfoot (1919–2012), U.S. Army Colonel and a U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
- William Wyatt Bibb, born in Amelia County, United States Senator from Georgia and first Governor of Alabama[32]
- Jesse Bragg, Negro-league baseball player
- William Cocke (1747–1828), born in Amelia County, first United States Senator from Tennessee[32]
- Henry William Connor (1793–1866), born near Amelia Court House, elected United States Congressman from North Carolina[32]
- Rosa Dixon Bowser (1855-1931), born in Amelia County, first African American Teacher hired in Richmond, Virginia. Established the Virginia Teacher's Reading Circle, which became the Virginia State Teachers Association,
- David Fanning, (1755–1825), born in Amelia County. A Loyalist officer during the American Revolutionary War, he captured Thomas Burke, a court-martial judge and Governor of North Carolina. One of only three individuals excluded from the amnesty after the Revolutionary War, Fanning moved to New Brunswick in present-day Canada for resettlement.[32]
- William Branch Giles, (1762–1830), born in Amelia County. Planter, United States Congressman, United States Senator, and Governor of Virginia[32]
- David Greenhill Member of the Colonial House of Burgesses
- Edmund Harrison (1764–1826), Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates (1802–1803)
- John Winston Jones, (1791–1848), born in Amelia County. Speaker of the United States House of Representatives[32]
- Nellie A. Ramsey Leslie (c.1840s–c.1920s), born into slavery in Amelia County.[33] She became a noted musician, teacher and composer, founding a musical conservatory in Corpus Christi, Texas.
- Robert Russa Moton (1867–1940), noted African American educator. He was born in Amelia County but was raised in Rice in nearby Prince Edward County, Virginia.
- Mary Virginia Terhune (1830–1922), born in Amelia County. A prolific and bestselling author in both fiction and non-fiction, the first woman elected to the Virginia Historical Society