Historical Marker

Ralph Bunche High School

Historical marker location:
10139 James Madison Pkwy, King George, Virginia
( Marker is at the intersection of James Madison Parkway (U.S. 301) and Hanover Church Road (Virginia Route 611), on the right when traveling north on James Madison Parkway.)
Marker installed: 2012

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Audiobooks about the history of Virginia.
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Virginia random facts
King George County, located in Virginia, has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Rappahannock and Potomac. In 1608, Captain John Smith ventured into the region and established friendly relations with the local tribes, marking the first recorded contact between Europeans and the indigenous people.

In 1673, King Charles II of England granted a charter establishing Westmoreland County, which included the land that would later become King George County. Over time, the land was divided further, and in 1720, King George County was officially formed. It was named in honor of King George I of Great Britain.

During the Revolutionary War in the late 18th century, King George County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The county's location along the Potomac River made it a strategic point for military operations. Patriots from King George County actively participated in various battles, and the area saw notable events like the Gunston Hall Resolution, which called for independence from British rule.

In the following centuries, King George County evolved from an agricultural society to a more diverse economy. The construction of the United States Naval Surface Warfare Center at Dahlgren in the 1910s brought new opportunities for employment and economic growth. Today, King George County continues to thrive as a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, while also cherishing its historical roots and maintaining a vibrant community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of King George County, Virginia.

  • 1720 - King George County is established by the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1721 - The courthouse in the newly established King George County is completed.
  • 1732 - The famous writer George Washington is born in King George County.
  • 1751 - The county gains national prominence when George Washington's father, Augustine Washington, passes away.
  • 1777 - King George County is divided to form a new county called Stafford County.
  • 1814 - During the War of 1812, British forces invade the county and burn several buildings.
  • 1846 - The Rappahannock Academy is established in King George County.
  • 1861 - King George County residents voluntarily join the Confederate cause during the American Civil War.
  • 1901 - The Potomac River Fisheries Commission is created with the goal of protecting and managing fish populations in the region, including King George County.
  • 1942 - Dahlgren Naval Surface Warfare Center is established in King George County.