Amelia County was created by a legislative act in 1734 and 1735 from parts of Prince George and Brunswick counties. The County is named for Princess Amelia of Great Britain, daughter of King George II. As was customary, as population increased in the region, Amelia County was reduced by the division of territory to form newer counties; in 1754, Prince Edward County was formed from parts of Amelia County, and in 1789, Nottoway County was formed. It was developed for plantation agriculture dependent on slave labor. During the Civil WarGeneral Robert E. Lee and his Army spent April 4 and 5, 1865 at Amelia Courthouse before his surrender on April 9 to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox. The last major battle of his army was fought at Sayler's Creek on April 6. Amelia is known for its minerals, including the nation's best supply of amazonite, a green feldspar found at the Morefield mine. In the 19th century, spas were developed around its mineral springs, which were destinations for travelers. In 1986 the Amelia County Fair sponsored a competition for the world's largest potato pancake. It was constructed to raise money that year for the German American National Scholarship Fund. The pancake weighed more than two and one quarter tons and used four truck loads of potatoes.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of, of which is land and is water. Amelia County borders the Appomattox River on the northern and most of the western side of the county, along with Namozine Creek to the eastern side of the county.
Adjacent counties
Powhatan County - north
Chesterfield County - east
Dinwiddie County - southeast
Nottoway County - south
Prince Edward County - southwest
Cumberland County - west
Transportation
These are the highways and main roads that go through Amelia County.
US Highways
State Routes
Secondary Roads
Chula Rd and Genito Rd. After the junction with Genito Rd it becomes Genito Rd. To Eastern Powhatan County and Midlothian/Chesterfield County.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 11,400 people, 4,240 households, and 3,175 families residing in the county. The population density was 32 people per square mile. There were 4,609 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was 70.57% White, 28.05% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.25% from other races, and 0.67% from two or more races. 0.80% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 4,240 households out of which 32.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.10% were married couples living together, 11.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.10% were non-families. 20.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.07. In the county, the population was spread out with 25.30% under the age of 18, 6.70% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 25.40% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 97.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.20 males. The median income for a household in the county was $40,252, and the median income for a family was $47,157. Males had a median income of $32,315 versus $23,102 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,858. 8.40% of the population and 6.70% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 7.10% are under the age of 18 and 11.70% are 65 or older.
The Amelia Bulletin Monitor, a weekly newspaper, has covered the county since 1973.
Education
The Amelia County Public Schools District operates the k-12 system ACPS consists of 1 elementary school Amelia County Elementary School, 1 middle school Amelia County Middle School, and one high school Amelia County High School. Independent Amelia Academy is also regarded through the county.
Communities
There are no incorporated communities in Amelia County.
Nellie A. Ramsey Leslie, born into slavery in Amelia County, she became a noted musician, teacher and composer, founding a musical conservatory in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Robert Russa Moton, noted African-American educator. He was born in Amelia County but was raised in Rice, in nearby Prince Edward County, Virginia
