Montross, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Montross, Virginia
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Courthouse in Montross, with historic marker in foreground
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Location of Montross, Virginia
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Westmoreland |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.03 sq mi (2.67 km2) |
| • Land | 1.03 sq mi (2.67 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 164 ft (50 m) |
| Population
(2022)
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| • Total | 553 |
| • Density | 536.6/sq mi (146.11/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
22520
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| Area code(s) | 804 |
| FIPS code | 51-52952 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1498518 |
| Website | https://www.townofmontross.org |
Montross is a small town in Westmoreland County, Virginia, United States. It is the main town, or county seat, of Westmoreland County. In 2020, about 553 people lived there.
Montross is in a historic area of Virginia called the Northern Neck. It is close to important places like the George Washington Birthplace National Monument. This is where the first U.S. president, George Washington, was born. The town is also near Stratford Hall Plantation. This famous place is where Robert E. Lee was born. It was also the home of Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee. They were Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence. Montross has a special saying: return to the village.
Contents
History of Montross
Montross has a rich history, especially linked to the Revolutionary War. The Old Westmoreland Court House in town saw important events in 1774 and 1775.
Montross and the Revolutionary War
On June 22, 1774, a meeting was held at the courthouse. Richard Henry Lee suggested a plan to help Boston, Massachusetts. Boston's port was blocked by Great Britain at the time. The people at the meeting agreed to help.
In 1775, the Royal Governor took Virginia Colony's gunpowder. This event was called the Gunpowder Incident. Because of this, the Westmoreland Committee of Safety met at the courthouse. On May 23, 1775, they spoke out against the governor, Lord Dunmore.
Historic Places in Montross
Several historic sites near Montross are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Armstead T. Johnson High School and Panorama. Also, the Westmoreland State Park Historic District is on this list.
Where is Montross Located?
Montross is located at 38°5′38″N 76°49′34″W / 38.09389°N 76.82611°W. It covers about 1.0 square mile (2.6 square kilometers) of land. There is no water area within the town limits.
People Living in Montross
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1950 | 331 | — | |
| 1960 | 394 | 19.0% | |
| 1970 | 419 | 6.3% | |
| 1980 | 456 | 8.8% | |
| 1990 | 359 | −21.3% | |
| 2000 | 315 | −12.3% | |
| 2010 | 384 | 21.9% | |
| 2020 | 553 | 44.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2020, there were 553 people living in Montross. The town had 252 households. Most people were White (74%), with 14% African American and 6% Asian. About 6% of the population were from two or more races.
The average household had 2.2 people. About 18% of households had children under 18. The median age in Montross was 41 years old. This means half the people were younger than 41 and half were older. About 34% of the population was 65 or older.
The median income for a household was $42,500. This is the middle income for all households. About 7.9% of the people lived below the poverty line.
Education in Montross
Students in Montross attend schools in the Westmoreland County Public Schools system. Washington and Lee High School is located right in the town.
Fun Things to Do in Montross
Montross and the surrounding area offer many interesting places to visit and activities.
Menokin: Home of a Signer
Menokin was the home of Francis Lightfoot Lee. He was one of the people who signed the U.S. Declaration of Independence. This house is a National Historic Landmark. It is one of the best-preserved 18th-century homes in the U.S. You can visit the grounds every day from 7 AM to 7 PM.
Westmoreland State Park
Westmoreland State Park is on the Potomac River's Northern Neck. It's a great place for families. The park has a visitor center, campgrounds, and cabins. You can also find a playground, a fishing pier, and boat rentals. There are 6 miles of trails for hiking. Many people enjoy looking for ancient shark teeth along the Potomac River. The park is open from dawn to dusk daily.
Stratford Hall: A Historic Plantation
Stratford Hall is another National Historic Landmark. It keeps the history of the Lee family alive. Thomas Lee started Stratford Hall in the 1730s. Four generations of the Lee family lived here. This includes Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, the only two brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence. Also, "Light Horse Harry" Lee, a Revolutionary War hero, lived here. His son, Civil War General Robert E. Lee, was born at Stratford Hall in 1807.
Westmoreland County Mercantile Museum
The Westmoreland County Museum (WCM) opened in 1941. It is the oldest museum in the Northern Neck area. The museum saves important history and items from the county. It has a famous painting of Sir William Pitt by Charles Willson Peale. There is also a portrait of General Robert E. Lee from 1898. You can even see a chair from George Washington's dining room. The museum has Native American items, local geology, and a large collection of furniture and paintings. You can also visit the Westmoreland Mercantile General Store nearby.
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
This park is where George Washington was born. It covers 550 acres of the old Popes Creek Plantation. This was the family home of the Washington Family. The park has a Colonial Revival farm, a burial ground, and a visitor center. There are also picnic areas and a public beach.
Voorhees Nature Preserve
The Voorhees Nature Preserve is part of a group of protected lands. These lands are along the Rappahannock River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The preserve is a great home for bald eagles and other wildlife.
Local Events in Montross
Montross hosts fun events throughout the year.
Fall Festival
Once a year, Montross has a Fall Festival. It usually happens in October. The festival includes parades and game stands. Many people from the town come to enjoy the event.
First Fridays
During the summer months, Montross hosts "First Fridays." On the first Friday of each month, there is live music, food, and vendor booths.
Notable People from Montross
- Walter Balderson: An Emmy Award-winning video engineer who went to Washington and Lee High School.
- Justin Anderson: A professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets. He was born in Montross and played college basketball at the University of Virginia.
Images for kids
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View of downtown Montross
See also
In Spanish: Montross (Virginia) para niños
