Falmouth, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Falmouth, Virginia
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Census-designated place (CDP)
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Central Falmouth, as seen from US 1 and US 17 Bus
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Location in Stafford County and the state of Virginia.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Stafford |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.2 sq mi (8.4 km2) |
| • Land | 3.1 sq mi (8.1 km2) |
| • Water | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km2) |
| Elevation | 56 ft (17 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 4,956 |
| • Density | 1,549/sq mi (590/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 540 |
| FIPS code | 51-27264 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1494919 |
Falmouth is a small community in Stafford County, Virginia, in the United States. It's known as a census-designated place (CDP), which means it's a special area defined by the U.S. Census Bureau for collecting population data.
Falmouth is located on the north side of the Rappahannock River. It sits right across from the city of Fredericksburg. In 2020, about 4,956 people lived in Falmouth.
Contents
A Look Back: Falmouth's History
Falmouth was started in 1728. The same law that created Fredericksburg also created Falmouth. It was designed to be a port town. This means it was a place where ships could load and unload goods. It served people living north of the Rappahannock River. This area was part of the huge land owned by Lord Fairfax.
Early Industry and Important Roads
An important iron factory called Hunter's Ironworks (also known as Rappahannock Forge) was located near Falmouth. During the American Revolution, Thomas Jefferson made sure this factory was protected. It was very important for making supplies for the war.
The Falmouth Road was a major route in colonial times. It connected Winchester in the Shenandoah Valley to the port of Falmouth. This road helped people and goods travel across Virginia. Today, much of this old road is followed by US Highway 17.
Falmouth During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Falmouth was an important spot. The Union Army took control of it in 1862 and 1863. Union generals even set up their headquarters near Falmouth. This happened during big battles like the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Chancellorsville.
In May 1864, many wounded Union soldiers and Confederate prisoners were brought through Falmouth. They were then taken to ships at Belle Plain. This was after the fierce battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House.
Falmouth Today: A Historic Community
Today, Falmouth is mostly a place where people live. It's like a neighborhood for Fredericksburg. Many historic buildings are still standing here.
One famous place is Belmont. This was the home of the American artist Gari Melchers. Now, it's a museum where you can learn about his life and art.
Another important historic site is Chatham Manor. This large house was built in 1771. It was also a Union headquarters during the Civil War. Today, it's part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park. It serves as the park's main office.
Several other historic places in Falmouth are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include:
- Carlton
- Clearview
- Conway House
- Falmouth Historic District
- Hunter's Ironworks
- Union Church and Cemetery
- White Oak Church
Where is Falmouth? Geography
Falmouth is located at 38°19′54″N 77°27′41″W / 38.33167°N 77.46139°W. It covers an area of about 3.2 square miles (8.4 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Who Lives in Falmouth? Demographics
As of the year 2020, the population of Falmouth was 4,956 people. In 2000, there were 3,624 people living there. The community has a mix of families and individuals. The average age of people in Falmouth in 2000 was 38 years old.
Fun Things to Do: Recreation
Falmouth is home to Lake Mooney. This is a large lake, covering 520 acres. It's one of Virginia's newest lakes. The lake was named after Jason Mooney, a Stafford sheriff's deputy who passed away in 2007.
Lake Mooney is a great place for outdoor activities. People enjoy fishing there, as it's stocked with many kinds of fish. It officially opened for sport fishing in July 2017.
Famous People from Falmouth
Many notable people have lived in or come from Falmouth, including:
- Moncure Daniel Conway: An abolitionist who worked to end slavery.
- Bazil Gordon: Known as America's first millionaire.
- Wellington Gordon: A state legislator in Virginia.
- Brian Henderson: A professional racing driver.
- William J. Howell: A former Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, which is part of Virginia's government.
- Gari Melchers: A famous American artist.
Falmouth's Weather: Climate
Falmouth has a climate with hot, humid summers. The winters are usually mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate. On climate maps, it's often shown as "Cfa."
See also
In Spanish: Falmouth (Virginia) para niños
