Northumberland County, Virginia

Northumberland County sits along Virginia’s Northern Neck, where the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding waterways shape nearly every part of life. With an extensive shoreline, the county is deeply connected to boating, fishing, and the seafood industry.

Fishing boats can often be seen along the horizon, while oysters remain one of the area’s most prized local products. The landscape is mostly flat, but wide-open fields, peaceful creeks, and quiet coves create a scenic coastal setting.

Northumberland County also has a fascinating history that reaches back before the founding of the United States. Reedville is one of its most notable communities and was once among the wealthiest towns in America, thanks largely to the region’s thriving fishing industry.

CategoryDetails
County NameNorthumberland County
County SeatHeathsville
PopulationApproximately 12,000
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesHeathsville, Reedville, Callao, Kilmarnock, Lottsburg
Interstates and HighwaysUS-360, VA-200, VA-201
FIPS Code51-133
Total Area (Land and Water)286 sq mi (Land: 191 sq mi; Water: 95 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Lancaster County (South), Richmond County (West), Westmoreland County (Northwest), St. Mary’s County, Maryland (North)
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.9125° N, 76.4536° W
EtymologyNamed after Northumberland, England
Major LandmarksReedville Fishermen’s Museum, Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve, Chesapeake Bay
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