Lancaster County is a county located on the Northern Neck in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population sits at 10,919. Its county seat is Lancaster.
Located on the Northern Neck near the mouth of the Rappahannock River, Lancaster County is part of the Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace wine-growing region recognized by the United States as an American Viticultural Area. The largest town in Lancaster County is Kilmarnock, Virginia. The county's area code is 804.
History
thumb|250px|right|The historic church of [[St. Mary's, Whitechapel, in Lancaster County, St. Mary's parish was the birthplace of Mary Ball Washington, mother of George Washington ]]
Lancaster County was established in 1651 from Northumberland and York counties, and large land patents (subject to terms including clearing and settlement) were issued that year. It was home to Robert King Carter in the 18th century, and remaining buildings from that time include Christ Church and St. Mary's, Whitechapel. Other historic attractions open to the public include the Lancaster Courthouse Historic District including the Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library, Belle Isle State Park, and the Village of Morattico Historic District.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (42.4%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Richmond County – northwest
- Northumberland County – north
- Middlesex County – south and southwest