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Coordinates: 38°25′N 77°27′W / 38.41°N 77.45°W / 38.41; -77.45
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As of the [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2005, there were 117,874 people, 38,237 households, and 24,481 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was 342 people per square mile (132/km²). There were 31,405 housing units at an average density of 116 per square mile (45/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 79.00% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 15.6% [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.45% 2.1% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.10% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.21% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 2.47% from two or more races. 5.5% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.
As of the [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2010, there were 128,961 people, 38,237 households, and 24,481 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was 342 people per square mile (132/km²). There were 31,405 housing units at an average density of 116 per square mile (45/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 72.5% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 15.6% [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.4% Native American, 2.8% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.10% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 3.2% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 4.0% from two or more races. 9.2% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.


By 2005 Stafford County's population was 72.8% non-Hispanic whites. African-Americans were 16.1% of the total population. Native Americans were 0.4% of the county total. Asians 2.3%. Native Hawai'ians and other Pacific islanders 0.2%, thus making Stafford County one of the high percentage NHPI population counties in the country. Latinos were 6.4% of the population, above the percentage of Latinos in all of Virginia, but far below Stafford County's northern neighbors.
By 2005 Stafford County's population was 72.8% non-Hispanic whites. African-Americans were 17.0% of the total population. Native Americans were 0.4% of the county total. Asians 2.3%. Native Hawai'ians and other Pacific islanders 0.2%, thus making Stafford County one of the high percentage NHPI population counties in the country. Latinos were 6.4% of the population, above the percentage of Latinos in all of Virginia, but far below Stafford County's northern neighbors.


As of 2000 there were 38,187 households out of which 46.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.00% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.90% were non-families. 13.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.32.
As of 2000 there were 38,187 households out of which 46.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.00% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.90% were non-families. 13.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.32.

Revision as of 00:59, 12 September 2011

Stafford County
County
Map of Virginia highlighting Stafford County
Location within the U.S. state of Virginia
Map of the United States highlighting Virginia
Virginia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 38°25′N 77°27′W / 38.41°N 77.45°W / 38.41; -77.45
Country United States
State Virginia
Founded1664
SeatStafford
Area
 • Total280 sq mi (700 km2)
 • Land270 sq mi (700 km2)
 • Water10 sq mi (30 km2)  3.43%
Population
 (2010)
 • Total128,961
 • Density477.6/sq mi (184.4/km2)
Websitewww.co.stafford.va.us

Stafford County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a U.S. state. As of the 2000 census, the population was 92,446, increasing to 128,961 in 2010.[1] Its county seat is StaffordTemplate:GR. In 2006, and again in 2009, Stafford was ranked as the 11th highest income county in America by Forbes Magazine. U.S. Route 1, Interstate 95, and Virginia Railway Express commuter railway serve the county.

This county is part of the Washington Metropolitan Area.

History

For thousands of years, various cultures of indigenous peoples succeeded each other in their territories along the Potomac River and its tributaries. By the time of English colonization, there were 32 Algonquian-speaking American Indian tribes in the present-day coastal Tidewater Virginia area, including those of the Patawomeck and numerous tribes that were part of the Powhatan Confederacy. The former small tribe, still centered in Stafford County, was recognized by the state of Virginia in 2010.

The American Indians' first recorded encounter with Europeans in this area was in 1608, with John Smith of the Jamestown settlement. During a time of recurring tension between the early English colonists and local American Indians, the colonists kidnapped Pocahontas, daughter of the Powhatan, paramount chief of the confederacy.[2] This occurred in the eastern part of Stafford County, from where they took her to a secondary English settlement, known as Henricus (or Henrico Town). While held there, Pocahontas converted to Christianity and married English settler John Rolfe in April 1614.[3][4]

The English colonial government of Virginia imposed its own order on the land and peoples. In 1664 it established Stafford County from territory previously part of Westmoreland County.[5] It was named after Staffordshire, England. As originally delineated, Stafford County included a much larger area than its current borders, and in fact encompassed what would later become Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William, and the City of Alexandria.[5] It is part of the area now considered Northern Virginia. George Washington spent much of his childhood in the lower part of the county on his family's home, Ferry Farm, along the Rappahannock River across from Fredericksburg. Colonial Forge High School was built on a tract of land owned in colonial times by his father Augustine Washington.[6] George Mason, another Founding Father of the nation, also spent his formative years in Stafford.[7]

Aquia Church, built in 1757 near Garrisonville, Virginia, is unusual among local structures for having been designed on the plan of a Greek cross. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark. The Episcopal church continues to be active today.[8]

Stafford County industry and resources were important to the colony and early nation. During the Revolutionary War, the Stafford iron works furnished arms for the colonial rebel soldiers.[9] Aquia Creek sandstone, quarried from Government Island, was used to build the White House and the U.S. Capitol.[10]

During the American Civil War, the county was part of the battlegrounds, occupied by more than 100,000 troops for several years. The Battle of Aquia Creek took place in the Aquia Harbour area. Both the Union Army and Confederate Army struggled to control the strategic Potomac Creek Bridge at various times during the war.

Falmouth, a town bordering Fredericksburg, was the home of late-19th century artist Gari Melchers, whose house, Belmont, still stands.

Stafford County today is considered part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Many residents commute to work in Washington and its environs north on Interstate Highway 95, U.S. Route 1, and Virginia Railway Express.

In the early morning hours of May 9, 2008, a tornado touched down in the southern part of the county, severely damaging about 140 suburban homes.[11] The county was also severely affected by the massive blizzards of December 2009 and February 2010. The county seat Stafford received almost 2 feet of snow both times. In December 2009, it received some of the heaviest snow in the D.C. metropolitan area, with 25.4 inches of snow, and 19.3 inches in February 2010.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 280 square miles (725 km²), of which 270 square miles (700 km²) is land and 10 square miles (25 km²) (3.43%) is water. The Potomac River flows along part of the eastern border of the county, while the Rappahannock River runs along the extent of the county's southern border. Aquia Creek empties into the tidal segment of the Potomac River at Brent Point in Stafford County.

Adjacent counties and independent city

Government and politics

The county is divided into seven magisterial districts: George Washington, Hartwood, Falmouth, Griffis-Widewater, Aquia, Garrisonville, and Rockhill. The magisterial districts each elect one supervisor to the Board of Supervisors which governs Stafford County. The County operates under the county form of the County Executive system of government, with an elected Board of Supervisors. The Board then appoints a professional, nonpartisan County Executive to manage government agencies.

Stafford County is represented by Congressman Rob Wittman in the U.S. House of Representatives. Stafford is represented by William J. Howell in the Virginia House of Delegates. Delegate Bill Howell also serves as the Speaker of the House of Delegates.

Position Name Affiliation First Election District
Template:American politics/party colors/Republican|  Supervisor Cord Sterling Republican 2007 Rockhill
Template:American politics/party colors/Republican|  Supervisor Paul Milde Republican 2005 Aquia
Template:American politics/party colors/Republican|  Supervisor Mark Dudenhefer Republican 2005 Garrisonville
Template:American politics/party colors/Republican|  Supervisor Gary Snellings Republican 2009 (also served 2001-2005) Hartwood
Template:American politics/party colors/Republican|  Supervisor Susan Stimpson Republican 2009 Falmouth
Template:American politics/party colors/Democratic|  Supervisor Harry Crisp Democrat 2007 George Washington
  Supervisor Bob Woodson Democrat 2007 Griffis-Widewater

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
17909,588—
18009,9714.0%
18109,830−1.4%
18209,517−3.2%
18309,362−1.6%
18408,454−9.7%
18508,044−4.8%
18608,5556.4%
18706,420−25.0%
18807,21112.3%
18907,3622.1%
19008,09710.0%
19108,070−0.3%
19208,1040.4%
19308,050−0.7%
19409,54818.6%
195011,90224.7%
196016,87641.8%
197024,58745.7%
198040,47064.6%
199061,23651.3%
200092,44651.0%
2010128,96139.5%

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2010, there were 128,961 people, 38,237 households, and 24,481 families residing in the county. The population density was 342 people per square mile (132/km²). There were 31,405 housing units at an average density of 116 per square mile (45/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 72.5% White, 15.6% African American, 0.4% Native American, 2.8% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 3.2% from other races, and 4.0% from two or more races. 9.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

By 2005 Stafford County's population was 72.8% non-Hispanic whites. African-Americans were 17.0% of the total population. Native Americans were 0.4% of the county total. Asians 2.3%. Native Hawai'ians and other Pacific islanders 0.2%, thus making Stafford County one of the high percentage NHPI population counties in the country. Latinos were 6.4% of the population, above the percentage of Latinos in all of Virginia, but far below Stafford County's northern neighbors.

As of 2000 there were 38,187 households out of which 46.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.00% were married couples living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.90% were non-families. 13.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.32.

In the county, the population was spread out with 31.60% under the age of 18, 7.80% from 18 to 24, 33.70% from 25 to 44, 21.10% from 45 to 64, and 5.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 101.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $75,546, and the median income for a family was $78,575 (these figures had risen to $85,793 and $95,433 respectively as of a 2007 estimate[12]). Males had a median income of $47,080 versus $31,469 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,762. About 2.40% of families and 3.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.30% of those under age 18 and 5.30% of those age 65 or over.

Points of interest

File:Chatham Manor.JPG
Chatham Manor

Local newspapers

Localities

Geographical

Transportation

Zip Codes

  • 22405, 22406, 22554, 22555, 22556

Education

Colleges

High Schools

Middle Schools

  • T. Benton Gayle Middle School
  • Edward E. Drew Middle School
  • Stafford Middle
  • Dixon-Smith Middle School
  • Rodney Thompson Middle
  • A.G. Wright Middle
  • H.H. Poole Middle
  • Shirley C. Heim Middle

Elementary Schools

  • Conway Elementary
  • Falmouth Elementary
  • Ferry Farm Elementary
  • Grafton Village Elementary
  • Garrisonville Elementary
  • Hartwood Elementary
  • Kate Waller Barrett Elementary
  • Anthony Burns Elementary
  • Margaret Brent Elementary
  • Anne E. Moncure Elementary
  • Park Ridge Elementary
  • Rockhill Elementary
  • Rocky Run Elementary
  • Garrisonville Elementary
  • Stafford Elementary
  • Hampton Oaks Elementary
  • Widewater Elementary
  • Winding Creek Elementary

Major bodies of water

See also

References

  1. ^ [1]. 2010 U.S. Census Data: Virginia. Retrieved February 16, 2011
  2. ^ Marlborough Point
  3. ^ John Rolfe Highway Marker
  4. ^ Kidnapping of Pocahontas Highway Marker or Pocahontas Highway Marker
  5. ^ a b New Papyrus Publishing Company's On-Line Catalog: Stafford County Virginia
  6. ^ "Colonial Forge School Improvement Plan Report" (PDF). Colonial Forge High School (See page 4). Retrieved 2007-09-04.
  7. ^ Connor Jr., Albert Z. (2003). A History of Our Own, Virginia Beach: The Donning Company Publishers.
  8. ^ Information about historical churches, including the Aquia Episcopal Church, Simply Fredericksburg
  9. ^ DeOnne C. Scott, Stafford County (VA): Images of America, Amazon.com
  10. ^ http://www.staffordcountysun.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=SCS/MGArticle/SCS_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1128768195420
  11. ^ Laris, Michael; Davis, Aaron C. (May 10, 2008). "Area in 'a Daze' After Tornadoes". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-05-10.
  12. ^ Stafford County, Virginia - Fact Sheet - American FactFinder
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Stafford County, Virginia.

38°25′N 77°27′W / 38.41°N 77.45°W / 38.41; -77.45

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