Amelia, also known as Amelia Courthouse, began as an important stop on a busy Confederate railroad.  Today, Amelia serves as the seat and the only community in Amelia County.  The county, population 11,400 (Census 2000 data) chose its names in honor of Princess Amelia Sophia of Great Britain, who was the daughter of King George II.  Encompassing more than 350 square miles, Amelia County formed in 1735 and later contributed sections of its land to form Prince George and Nottoway counties.  During the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee and his soldiers spent time in Amelia before surrendering to General Ulysses S. Grant on April 6, 1865. 

Known as a significant, mineral rich region, Amelia is the site of Morefield Mine, the nation’s best source of Amazonite.  This green-colored stone, found only in Amelia County, plays a strong role in the burgeoning economy.  Livestock production and crops such as corn, soybeans and flue-cured tobacco drive the agricultural sector, while the primary nonagricultural industries include construction, manufacturing, trade, and services.

Since 73% of the local acreage consists of thick forestation, the local lumber companies and sawmills are among the region’s important industries.  Commercial pulpwood remains the second largest sources of income in Amelia County.  The area is also home to Amelia Springs Bottled Water, whose nationally distributed water is among the purest in the United States.

Festivals and community events in Amelia County, VA center on the agricultural atmosphere of its citizens.  Tom Scott Recreational Park hosts the annual Beef Festival each summer, while the Joe H. Paulette Memorial Recreation Park is the site of the annual county fair each September.  Old-fashioned Bluegrass Festivals bring music lovers out during the spring and fall, while Amelia Day occurs each May on the nostalgic Courthouse Square.  Amelia Day originated in the 1980’s in honor of the community’s birthday. 

Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy all the assets of the Appomattox River and Lake Chesdin, while hunters have access to designated areas where deer, turkey and other small game reside.  Area bikers and hikers have several appealing options, including the East Coast Bicycle Trail and the Amelia Wildlife Management Area.  This lush area, located in northern Amelia County, comprises 2,068 acres of natural splendor.  Additional sites of interest include the Amelia Motor Raceway.

Amelia, Virginia has an excellent public school system at the primary and secondary levels; however, there are not any higher education facilities in the county.  Richard Bland College and the Army Logistics Management College at Fort Lee are nearby in Prince George County.  Richmond is home to the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia State University.