Regional Answers

Regional Answers

The Free Lance-Star: Color Version

Read and search the full-color version of the Free Lance-Star. Updated daily.

Historical Research

The Civil War in the Rappahannock Region

Book and online resources on the War Between the States in our area.

Do you need a library card to access these resources?Do you need a library card to access these resources?

Unlock the power! Unlimited access to all of the library collection, as well as unlimited access to online resources.
Unlock the power! Unlimited access to all of the library collection, as well as unlimited access to online resources.

Fredericksburg City Interests

ArtsLIVE!
Sponsors many live performances and events in Fredericksburg since 1988.

Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair
America's oldest Agricultural Fair! It usually occurs the first week in August at the Fredericksburg Fair Grounds.

Fredericksburg Guidebook
Fredericksburg, Virginia’s best city directory and tourism guide for finding things to do like shopping for antiques, finding the best restaurants and entertainment, and expert help from local businesses.

Fredericksburg Economic Development
Fredericksburg’s Economic Development office can help your business open, expand and thrive. Browse their site to learn more about why Fredericksburg has established itself as a premier business destination.

Fredericksburg Main Street
A 501c3 nonprofit organization, that creates a vibrant community and fosters economic growth in the historic downtown Fredericksburg district through a range of initiatives and events.

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce
Build relationships and create competitive advantages for a healthy business environment through leadership, access, innovation, advocacy, and connections.

Fredericksburg Visitor Center
Take a glimpse into Fredericksburg, and learn about the events and attractions that make our city so exciting and innovative.

New Resident Guide: Fredericksburg, VA
A welcome guide from the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, including resident responsibilities and reminders.

Virginia is For Lovers Guide on Fredericksburg, VA
Information about Fredericksburg, including details on restaurants, hotels, and more.

Fredericksburg City History

Of Hauntings and History: Virginia Ghost Stories

This article tells tales of some Virginia ghosts and shares titles in the Library's collection for further reading.

Walk Through History . . . Hanover Street

By the Fredericksburg Area Tourism Department In 1714, the Stuart dynasty ended in England with the death of Queen Anne. George I, elector…

The Fredericksburg Silk Mill

Discover the history of the Silk Mill, now popular for weddings and other elegant events in downtown Fredericksburg.

Stafford County Interests

Attractions in Stafford, VA
Attractions around every corner. And around every corner of every corner! When you come to Stafford County, Virginia, make sure you bring the following: Your inquisitive mind and your five senses. Because their attractions will surprise and delight them.

Stafford Economic Development
Boasting top infrastructure and intellect, family-friendly amenities and nationally-ranked schools, Stafford’s balance of work and play benefits people—and productivity. Find out more.

Tour Stafford, Virginia
Discover guides for art performances, wineries and breweries, restaurants, and more.

Virginia is For Lovers Guide on Stafford, VA
Information on Stafford, including details on restaurants, hotels, and more.

Stafford County History

Of Hauntings and History: Virginia Ghost Stories

This article tells tales of some Virginia ghosts and shares titles in the Library's collection for further reading.

Trees of Virginia: Into the Dark Forests

Branch out and discover what kinds of trees are around you in the great outdoors of our state. TIMBER!

Genealogy Research Tips for Finding Enslaved Ancestors

Here are some research tips and resources that you can use to break through into the past and find your family.

Spotsylvania County Interests

Spotsylvania County: Economic Development
Promotes the diverse types of industry found in the County and Virginia, to encourage avenues of trade within our industries by inducing manufacturing, industrial, governmental, and commercial enterprises and institutions of higher learning to remain in or to locate within our Commonwealth.

Spotsylvania Towne Centre
The Spotsylvania Towne Centre is a mall located in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, on Virginia State Route 3, less than a mile west of Interstate 95, and directly across from the Central Park shopping and dining complex.

Visit Spotsy: Visitor Center & Gift Shop
It's easy to find - and feel - something different here in Spotsylvania County. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, there are hundreds of ways to explore this unique county, and many sites to satisfy your wanderlust. From weekend getaways to weeklong vacations, make your trip-planning seamless with the many resources offered here.

Spotsylvania County History

Ellwood: A Crossroads in History

For more than two hundred years, this Spotsylvania farm has stood as a witness to Virginia history.

Littlepage: Spy and King's Confidant

Whatever the name, this often penniless Virginian's brilliant intellect and exquisite manners won him entry into many things.

Genealogy Research Tips for Finding Enslaved Ancestors

Here are some research tips and resources that you can use to break through into the past and find your family.

Westmoreland County Interests

George Washington's Birthplace
George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in the Northern Neck of Virginia. It encompasses 551 acres of land where seven generations of the Washington family lived and where George Washington was born in 1732. 

Ingleside Vineyards
Ingleside is one of the oldest and largest wineries in the state, established in 1980, and part of an estate of over 3,000 acres.

Stratford Hall
An important part of the Stratford Hall experience is an opportunity to learn about the courage and leadership of Richard Henry and Francis Lightfoot Lee as they signed the Declaration of Independence, and with their family, helped give birth to the United States of America. Visitors can also learn about other Lee family members, like Hannah Lee Corbin, an outspoken thinker and one of our nation’s earliest known proponents of voting rights for women.

Westmoreland County Museum
Founded in 1939, the Westmoreland County Museum, Inc. preserves and advances the history of our special place in the Northern Neck. Stop by the original museum to view the Charles Willson Peale painting of William Pitt (Lord Chatham) from 1768, as well as furniture donated by the Washington family.

Westmoreland County History

Genealogy Research Tips for Finding Enslaved Ancestors

Here are some research tips and resources that you can use to break through into the past and find your family.

Local African American Historical Sites

Our surrounding counties have houses, churches, and museums of great importance to African American history and heritage.

Westmoreland's African American History

Learn more about Westmoreland County’s African American history, which dates back to the 17th century.

Regional Educational Institutions

Local Institutions

University of Mary Washington (UMW)
Four-year state university located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. CRRL customers may request books from UMW's Library through Inter-Library Loan (ILL).

Germanna Community College (GCC)
Germanna Community College is one of the twenty-three community colleges in Virginia that comprise the Virginia Community College System. It is a two-year public institution of higher education. Germanna provides quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities for the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, Culpeper, King George, Madison, Orange, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.


Northern Virginia Institutions

George Mason University (GMU)
The largest public research university in Northern Virginia, offering 78 undergraduate degrees and 141 degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional levels, along with a variety of minors and certificates to support individualized academic and professional goals.

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Located near Washington, D.C., the College includes six campuses: Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, the Medical Education Campus, and Woodbridge; along with The Reston Technology Center and NOL (NOVA Online). NOVA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students can earn a two-year associate degree, a one-year certificate, or a short-term career studies certificate.


Richmond Institutions

Randolph Macon College
Randolph Macon College was founded in 1830 by the Methodist Church and the College is the oldest college like it in continuous operation in the United States.

Reynolds Community College
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is a public community college in Virginia with four campuses: Parham Road Campus in Henrico County, Downtown Campus in Richmond, Goochland Campus in Goochland Courthouse, Virginia, and The Kitchens at Reynolds in Richmond.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
One of only 80 public universities nationwide classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an “R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production,” as well as earning its prestigious “Community Engagement” status.

University of Richmond
A private liberal arts college and is primarily a undergraduate and residential institution.

Parks & Recreation

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
Includes online visitor center. Has information on the battles of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Chancellorsville, and Wilderness.

Virginia State Parks
Links to information on dozens of Virginia parks. A general map shows park locations throughout the state. Includes online brochures on outdoor activities.

Westmoreland State Park
They've got a beautiful beach trail, kayaking for beginners (including instruction!), a swimming pool, fishing and boating, and well-equipped cabins with air-conditioning and heat to rent - these can be reserved online.

Parks & Recreation Websites

Blogs on Park Recreation

A Guide to Local Parks

Check out these beautiful natural areas in the Rappahannock region.

Splash Into Fun: Water Parks of Virginia and Beyond

Read about water parks and their history, both near and far.

A History of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia's Natural Gem

Along the parkway, you’ll see stunning natural landscapes and meet people with a history older than the United States.

Local Transportation

Buses and Trains


Area Taxis


Local Airports


International Airports


Taxi/Limo Service to DC Airports