If you’re standing on a sidewalk in the middle of Fredericksburg trying to figure out which county’s tax laws or court systems you’re subject to, the answer depends entirely on which state you’re in. It sounds like a simple Google search. But honestly, it’s one of those "trick" geography questions because there are three very different Fredericksburgs that people usually mean.
Most folks are looking for the historic hub in Virginia or the wine-soaked getaway in Texas. There is even a smaller one in Pennsylvania.
Here is the breakdown of what county is Fredericksburg in across the board, including the weird legal quirk that makes the Virginia version unique.
The Virginia Twist: Fredericksburg Is Not in a County
You’ve probably seen Fredericksburg, Virginia, pinned on a map and assumed it was the heart of a specific county. You’d be partially right, but legally wrong.
Fredericksburg, Virginia, is an independent city. In most of the United States, cities are subsets of counties. You live in a city, which is inside a county, which is inside a state. Virginia does things differently. Since the late 1800s, Virginia has maintained a system where "independent cities" operate entirely separately from the counties that surround them.
While the city is physically bordered by Spotsylvania County and Stafford County, it doesn't belong to either. It has its own school system, its own sheriff’s office, and its own courthouse. If you live within the city limits, you don’t pay taxes to a county; you pay them to the City of Fredericksburg.
Historical Roots of the Independence
The city was established way back in 1728. It actually served as the county seat for Spotsylvania for a long time—until 1781, anyway. Eventually, the county moved its headquarters to a more central location (the aptly named Spotsylvania Courthouse).
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By 1879, Fredericksburg officially became a city. It’s been doing its own thing ever since.
People often get confused because the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park literally has both names in the title. You can walk across a street and transition from the independent city into Spotsylvania County without seeing much of a difference, but your local government and zip code details will definitely care which side of the line you’re on.
The Texas Heart: Fredericksburg Is in Gillespie County
Now, if you’re looking for the famous German settlement in the Texas Hill Country, the answer is much more straightforward.
Fredericksburg, Texas, is the county seat of Gillespie County.
Unlike its Virginia namesake, this Fredericksburg follows the standard American rule: it is the largest city within Gillespie County and serves as the administrative hub. If you’re visiting for the peaches or the wineries on Highway 290, you’re firmly in Gillespie territory.
Why Gillespie County Matters
Gillespie County was formed in 1848, named after Robert Addison Gillespie, a Texas Ranger and soldier. The county is basically the epicenter of German-Texan culture.
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- Population: Around 27,000 people live in the whole county.
- The Vibe: It’s rugged, hilly, and full of limestone structures.
- Agriculture: While tourism is king now, the county is still a massive producer of peaches and, increasingly, grapes for the Texas wine industry.
If you have to deal with any "county-level" business in this part of Texas—like renewing a vehicle registration or looking up property deeds—you’ll head to the courthouse right there in downtown Fredericksburg.
The Pennsylvania Version: Lebanon County
There is a third, smaller Fredericksburg tucked away in Pennsylvania. It’s an unincorporated community, which basically means it’s a small town that doesn’t have its own formal city government.
Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania, is located in Lebanon County.
It’s a quiet spot, often associated with the poultry industry (Bell & Evans is a huge employer there). If you’re looking for this one, you’re likely near the intersection of I-78 and US 22. It’s tiny compared to the others, with a population hovering around 1,500 people.
Comparing the Three Fredericksburgs
Because people mix these up all the time, here’s a quick way to tell them apart based on where they sit.
Fredericksburg (VA)
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- County: None (Independent City).
- Neighboring Counties: Spotsylvania and Stafford.
- Known For: Civil War history, Mary Washington University, and being a major commuter hub between D.C. and Richmond.
Fredericksburg (TX)
- County: Gillespie County.
- Role: County Seat.
- Known For: The National Museum of the Pacific War, Oktoberfest, wineries, and Enchanted Rock.
Fredericksburg (PA)
- County: Lebanon County.
- Role: Unincorporated Village.
- Known For: Rural charm, poultry farming, and being a gateway to the Appalachian Trail.
Common Misconceptions About Fredericksburg's Location
One of the biggest mistakes people make when searching for what county is Fredericksburg in is assuming "Fredericksburg, VA" and "Spotsylvania" are interchangeable.
If you're a history buff, you might know that the Battle of Fredericksburg happened in 1862. You might also know that the Battle of Chancellorsville and the Battle of the Wilderness happened nearby. Those latter two happened in Spotsylvania County.
Because the battles were so close, the National Park Service manages them as one unit. This leads tourists to think the city is just a neighborhood in the county. It's not. If you get a speeding ticket on one side of the canal, you go to the city court; on the other, you're heading to the county court.
In Texas, the confusion is usually just about the sheer size of the Hill Country. People often think Fredericksburg is near Austin or San Antonio (it's about an hour and a half from both), but it maintains its own distinct identity within Gillespie.
Actionable Steps for Your Search
If you are trying to find specific records or planning a trip, here is how you should narrow down your search based on the county:
- For Property Taxes or Deeds (VA): Search the "Fredericksburg City Commissioner of the Revenue" or "Treasurer’s Office." Do not look at the Spotsylvania County website unless your property is specifically outside the city limits.
- For Legal/Court Issues (TX): Contact the Gillespie County Clerk. Most of these offices are located in the courthouse on West Main Street.
- For Mailing Addresses: Always double-check the zip code. Fredericksburg, VA uses 22401 (and others), while Fredericksburg, TX uses 78624. Using the wrong county name on a package usually won't stop it from arriving, but using the wrong zip code definitely will.
- For History Researchers: If you’re looking for records prior to 1879 in Virginia, you actually will need to look at Spotsylvania County records, as that’s where the data was stored before the city became independent.
Understanding what county is Fredericksburg in really comes down to knowing that Virginia is a bit of an outlier with its independent cities. Once you realize the city is its own "county-level" entity, the rest of the geography falls into place.