History: Founded in 1720 from the merger of Essex, King and Queen and King William counties, Spotsylvania was named after former Governor Alexander Spotswood. It is probably best known as the location of several major Civil War battles, including the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, one of the bloodiest of the war.  Currently the county covers some 400 square miles, making it one of the largest counties in the Commonwealth. The current population in Spotsylvania is just over 90,000 people and growing daily with a median income of around $53,000. For more about the history check here for links and historical places to visit.

Tax Situation: Current tax  rates are $1.02/$100 assessed at 100% for real estate (collected in Jun and Dec), $5.00/$100 assessed at 50% for personal property. Sales tax: 4.5% (3.5% state + 1% local). Meals are taxed at 4%. Auto decal or county stickers cost $20.00 for cars, $10.00 motorcycles. All tags must be purchased as soon as residency is established. All decal or county stickers are purchased at county treasurer's office( in the Holbert building) with a deadline of midnight April 14th every year. Dog licenses are based on an annual fee of $5.00 per year ($8.00 for 2 years and $10.00 for 3 years). 

Form of Government: The county seat is located in the Courthouse area, where State Routes 208 and 613 intersect. Spotsylvania now has 7 members on its Board of Supervisors. Board members serve 4 year terms and appoint a county administrator who carries out day-to-day operations. The board members voted for a 33% raise which took effect Jan. 1, 2000, bringing the annual salary to $20,000 for each member. 

Public Transportation: There is a wide array of transportation available.  Pick your choice and go to work or explore!

Public Facilities and Services: Electricity is supplied by Dominion Virginia Power and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative. Natural gas is available through Commonwealth Gas Services. Water rates are $1.00 for 100 cubic feet with sewer fees being $2.44 for 100 cubic feet. Contact the utilities office at (540)898-4096.  There is one landfill in the county, which residents can use free of charge. Spotsylvania is policed by the Spotsylvania County Sheriffs Dept.  The fire department for the county is mostly made up of volunteers, but a small staff of paid firefighters are maintained. 911 emergency service is operational in the county. Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website will provide newcomers to the area with all the details pertaining to vehicle operation and when to obtain a drivers license. The Central Rappahannock Regional Library system has 480,000+ volumes circulating among 7 libraries in system (and one bookmobile). Library information: (540) 372-1144. The library system was rated one of America's best public libraries in a nation-wide study. 

TV/Radio and entertainment: There is one local cable TV station but numerous radio stations  to choose from. 

Lodging: There are a variety of hotels/motels available to stay at.  It is up to you to decide which will be the best 
for your needs. 

Public Schools: There are many schools in the county so the best thing to do outside of speaking with your neighbors is to call the school board to find out what school your child will attend.

Colleges: Closest colleges include Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Germanna Community College with a campus in Fredericksburg, Rappahannock Community College, University of Virginia, George Mason University and Virginia Commonwealth University. There is a listing of other Virginia colleges here. 

Recreational Facilities: Detailed information on the recreational facilities can be found here. 

Sports: The professional teams are listed with phone numbers to call for information.  Local college and high school sports will available soon.

Shopping: Spotsylvania Mall, off of I-95 exit 130, contains over 120 stores, including major department stores (Sears, JCPenney, Belk and Hecht's), boutiques and specialty shops. Massaponax Factory Outlet Stores, off I-95 exit 126, has approximately 20 outlet stores, including Bugle Boy, Corning Reeve and Rackroom Shoes. There are mall "general" stores located throughout the area. Complete listing of shopping centers is located here.
 

Statistics & Facts
 

Zip Codes:    22407,222408,22534,22553,22565

Area Code:    540

Phone Prefix:  548, 582, 736, 785, 786, 895, 972