Amherst County was named for Major Jeffery Amherst, British commander in North America during the French and Indian War and governor of Virginia from 1759 to 1768. It was formed from Albemarle County in 1761. Its area is 470 square miles, and the county seat is Amherst. The population is 31,894 according to the 2000 census.

Original Records at The Library of Virginia: Yes