We live in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, although our mailing address is Fredericksburg - 55 miles south of Washington and about the same distance north of Richmond, off Interstate 95. Fredericksburg has a population of about 25,000, but Spotsylvania County probably adds another 50,000 or more. Fredericksburg is quite historical. George Washington was born about 25 miles east in Westmoreland County, lived his childhood at ferry farm across the Rappahannock River from the town (where he reputedly chopped down the cherry tree!) and his mother and sister both lived in Fredericksburg. The University of Mary Washington is also located here.
During the Civil War four major battles were fought in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County - Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness and Spotsylvania Courthouse.
River Road continues on into downtown Fredericksburg, about 10 miles. It's a very pretty country drive, as well as passing through our big regional shopping center - "Central Park" which has most all of the stores you've ever heard of.
We are quite close to the Chancellorsville Battlefield, as well. The battle is known primarily as the one where the Union snatched defeat from the jaws of victory and where Stonewall Jackson was killed by his own troops - one of the most famous "friendly fire" incidents. The Confederate victory also emboldened Robert E. Lee to march north to do battle at Gettysburg - big mistake!