Rappahannock County was named for the Rappahannock River, which in turn received its name from an Indian tribe that lived along its banks. There have been two Virginia counties named Rappahannock. The first was created from Lancaster in 1656 and became extinct in 1662 when it was divided into Essex and Richmond counties. The present county was formed from Culpeper County in 1833. Its area is 267 square miles, and the county seat is Washington. The population is 6,983 according to the 2000 census.

Original Records at The Library of Virginia: Yes