The formation of the counties of the Northern Neck took place as follows:
Northumberland, 1648; Lancaster, 1651; Westmoreland, 1653; Stafford, 1664; Richmond, 1692; King George, 1721.
The names of these counties reflect the English origin of the first white settlers.
NATIVE SONS (Northern Neck of Virginia)
George Washington, First President of the United States; "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." These famous words were written by General Henry (Light-Horse Harry) Lee.
James Madison, Fourth President of the United States, and Father of the Constitution.
James Monroe, Fifth President of the United States, and author of the Monroe Doctrine.
Signers of the Declaration of Independence: Richard Henry Lee, and Francis Lightfoot Lee.
General Robert Edward Lee: Leader of the Confederate forces in the Civil War.
Hall of Fame for Great Americans: George Washington, James Madison, James Monroe, Robert Edward Lee.