Discover Amelia 2008

2008 County Guide BookPublished by Richmond Suburban Newspapers

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October 2008 Discover Amelia County Page 3

Amelia’s first courthouse was located in Pridesville and was destroyed by fire in 1766. The current structure was

completed in 1924 and sits on a square in the center of town.

All photos by Jim Ridolphi unless otherwise noted.

The Discover Amelia 2008 County Guide Book is published by Richmond Suburban Newspapers.

6400 Mechanicsville Turnpike Mechanicsville, VA 23111(804) 746-1235 Fax (804) 730-0476

Content provided by Jim Ridolphi.

© 2008 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers.All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.

Helpful Phone NumbersWelcome message ...........................................................4

Sailor’s Creek ..................................................................7

Amelia Fair ....................................................................10

Amelia Government Services .......................................12

Things to do in Amelia ..................................................16

Historical Society ..........................................................17

Amelia Fire Department ................................................17

All area codes 804

Emergency (fi re, police, ambulance) ...............................911

Amelia County Elementary School ....................... 561-2433

Library .................................................................... 561-4559

Amelia County High School .................................. 561-2101

Magistrate ............................................................... 561-5728

Amelia County Middle School .............................. 561-4422

Mannboro Post Offi ce ............................................ 561-2231

Amelia Post Offi ce ................................................. 561-6092

Maplewood Landfi ll ............................................... 561-5787

Animal Control ....................................................... 561-3878

Natural Resources Conservation Service ............... 561-2947

Building Inspector .................................................. 561-3039

Piedmont Soil & Water Conservation District .......................

..........................................................................434-392-4127

Clerk of the Circuit Court ....................................... 561-2128

Table of Contents

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On the cover:

Page 4 Discover Amelia County October 2008

Welcome to Beautiful Amelia CountyI am honored to wel-

come you to beautiful Amelia County, Virgin-ia, one of the last great undiscovered treasures of the Commonwealth. Situated a mere thirty-fi ve miles from the historic state capital of Richmond, Amelia con-tinues to be a rural haven within a quickly devel-oping metropolitan area, and a community where agriculture remains an important part of our economy. Breathtaking sunsets, rolling hills, awe-inspiring forests, rural farmlands, friendly and welcoming citizens, the charming village of Amelia Court House and the stately Appomattox River all can be found here.

You can also fi nd a rich and storied history in Ame-lia. Formed in 1734 from Prince George and Bruns-wick Counties, we are named for Princess Amelia Sophia Eleanor, the second daughter of King George II of England. During the Revolutionary War (1781), British General Banastore “Bloody Ban” Tarleton raided Amelia to interrupt desperately needed supply lines going to General George Washington’s Conti-nental Army.

On April 6, 1865 Amelia County witnessed the larg-est unstipulated surrender of the Civil War, as General Robert E. Lee’s valiant retreat from Petersburg was dealt a fi nal death blow at the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, the last major battle of the war to be fought in Virginia, where over seventy seven hundred confederate troops and eight Generals surrendered unconditionally. To-day Sailor’s Creek Battlefi eld Historical State Park, an integral part of Virginia’s Lee’s Retreat Tour, re-mains one of the most visited sites in the Region. Also in April 1865, according to legend, Amelia County records were saved when General George Armstrong Custer, of Little Big Horn fame, placed a guard at the Amelia County Clerk’s Offi ce with orders to preserve all records.

Virginia’s 24th Governor, William Branch Giles (1827-1830) and Mary Virginia Hawes Terhune, syn-

dicated columnist, novel-ist and celebrated author of biographical sketches, history and travelogues, who wrote under the pseudonym Marion Har-land were born in Amelia. Edmund Ruffi n, farmer, author and radical South-ern activist, who is attrib-uted with fi ring the “fi rst shot of the Civil War” at Fort Sumter, South Caro-lina took his own life at Redmore Plantation on June 18, 1865 shortly af-ter Lee’s surrender at Ap-pomattox Court House.

Recreational oppor-tunities also abound in Amelia County, from the hunting and fi shing that is

so valued in this rural para-dise to go cart racing, paintball, a full service Recre-ation Department and Public Library and the annual Amelia County Fair which was recently honored as the best small County Fair in Virginia.

Amelia is also blessed with economic opportuni-ties including low taxes, a new Industrial Park on US Route 360, close proximity to the Richmond Met-ropolitan Area population, has outstanding schools and still maintains its pastoral charm. And perhaps of greater signifi cance to our current and future residen-tial and business communities alike, Amelia is grow-ing, dedicated to the protection of our natural resourc-es, the preservation of our rich history, a commitment to be an open and inclusive community with a clear focus on a sustainable and prosperous future.

As Chairman of the Board of Supervisors I would encourage you to come and share our rural lifestyle, enjoy the amenities of our county and take advantage of the abundance of economic opportunities in one of the Commonwealth’s last undiscovered treasures. Our County Administrator and staff are here to serve you and we look forward to welcoming and sharing with you what we already know … “Amelia is a great place to be!”

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Noted historian will head eff orts to expand facilities, trails

By Jim RidolphiIn the spring of 1865, Amelia Court House offered the

South its best, last hope to continue a war that had become increasingly hopeless with the defeat at Petersburg. Gen. Robert E. Lee, determined to continue the fi ght, reassembled his troops and headed west, specifi cally to a small crossroads on the all-important Richmond and Danville railroad called Amelia.

Lee expected to resupply his troops with rations and ma-terials at Amelia, proceed on to Danville and unite with Gen Joseph Johnston’s army in North Carolina.

When Lee’s army arrived in Amelia, the haggard troops had a less than comfortable 24 hour lead on Northern troops quickly on the pursuit. The Confederate general hoped the one-day advantage would be just enough to allow his troops to complete the journey to Danville, but it was not to be.

As fate would have it, the supplies didn’t include food, and Lee’s army waited around Amelia for more than a day awaiting further rations that never arrived.

Once Lee’s army left Amelia, the Union army crossed their path at nearby Jetersville on the railroad, forcing Lee to change course and head to Farmville for supplies. The Union Army then began its chase eventually gaining on them at a

tiny crossroad called Holt’s Corner and encountered what remained of the Southern army at a small branch known as Sailor’s Creek.

Today, the battlefi eld, now a historical state park, stands as a quiet reminder to a signifi cant confl ict that sealed the fate of the Confederates with nearly a third of their army being captured including eight generals.

The site. long the emphasis of Civil War enthusiasts and historians, is scheduled to receive the attention many think it deserves. The park is scheduled for a serious facelift, includ-ing a new visitors center, interpretive trails and a complete restoration of the Hillsman House.

Noted Civil War author and historian Chris Calkins, cur-rently the Chief of Interpretation at Petersburg National Bat-tlefi eld, has accepted the Park’s manager position at Sailor’s Creek and he’s got plenty of enthusiasm, and a healthy dose of knowledge, for the site.

Sailor’s Creek is now a stand-alone park, meaning it has its own staff, and no longer will be just a part of Twin Lakes State Park.

Calkins said the opportunity to become park manager at Sailor’s was an opportunity he didn’t want to miss, but he did have second thoughts about his work with continuing programs at Petersburg.

“The Park Director came up with a partnership program

Sailor’s Creek slated for facelift

Continued on next page

Sailor’s Creek State Park has attracted civil war enthusiasts from around the nation for years and is now scheduled for some major improvements. Noted historian and author Chris Calkins was named Park Director and plans more interpretive trails, a restoration of the Hillsman House and a new visitor’s center. Most of the park is located in Amelia County.


between the state parks and the national parks,” Calkins said. Both parties agreed to Calkins’ part-time assignments at both parks. For now, he telecommutes from his Petersburg offi ce, and handles most of the Sailor’s Creek duties in that method, for the time being.

In the past, facilities at Sailor’s Creek have been limited. “The Hillsman House was open sporadically when you got hold of a ranger,” Calkins said. That will change with the addition of the new visitors center, which should begin con-struction this month.

Currently, Calkins is putting the fi nishing touches on a historical furnishings study for the Hillsman House. The structure, used as a Union hospital during the battle, will be furnished with period surroundings, historically accurate to 1865 during the time of the battle.

The furniture at the Hillsman House was originally do-nated and inventoried to the state park system, but the story goes that the lot was stolen years ago. Calkins located an in-ventory list of those furnishings and is trying to duplicate it.

One of the rooms will be restored, as it was when the Hill-sman’s occupied the house. Another will feature a room that will recreate the operating room at Hillsman during the war.

Calkins has a longstanding relationship with Sailor’s that goes back to his college days at Longwood College, now university. His fi rst book, “36 Hours before Appomattox (1980),” outlines the fi nal days of Lee’s campaign, including the battles at Sailor’s Creek, High Bridge and Farmville.

For the last 30 years Calkins has assembled a large col-lection of artifacts from the area that will be displayed at Sailor’s Creek.

Since the college days, Calkins interest in the area has evolved. He wrote and organized the Lee’s Retreat Auto Driving Tour, a series of twenty-six stops highlighting the fi nal days of the Confederacy through Southside Virginia to Appomattox.

Calkins is maintaining the dual assignment status as long as he can; primarily because he wants to see several proj-ects at Petersburg take root and progress. They include a new visitor center at Five Forks in Dinwiddie, the $8 million restoration of the South Side Railroad Depot depot in Peters-burg and the expansion of Petersburg National Battlefi eld by 7,238 acres, mostly in Dinwiddie County.

Amelia Courthouse, the destination

Following defeat at Petersburg, Confederate armies from the siege, Chesterfi eld County and Richmond began to converge on Amelia Courthouse, a prominent stock on the Richmond and Danville Railroad. Lee was convinced food rations and other supplies would await the weary troops at Amelia around April 3-4, 1865.

“The Confederate Army had a one day lead getting out,” Calkins said. “The Union Army had to go into Richmond and occupy Petersburg. Up until Amelia, the Confederates

still had that lead,” he added.

That advantage quickly deteriorated due to two factors. The army from Richmond had not totally arrived (General Ewell’s Corps) arrived due to diffi culty fording the Appo-mattox River, swollen from spring rains. Additionally, the supplies Lee anticipated were not there.

Lee turns his army southwest and encounters the Union Army at Jetersville, still proceeding along the Richmond and Danville Railroad. Rather than engage. Lee turned north to Amelia Springs with Farmville the new target destina-tion. With the guarantee of 80,000 rations at Farmville, Lee would then head south to Keysville.

The plan would place Lee’s army, in its entirety on one road through Deatonville, Holt’s Corner and Sailor’s Creek.

Union troops spot the Confederates at Holt’s Corner and the Confederates split, still proceeding across Sailor’s Creek to Farmville. The action at Sailor’s Creek encompasses three separate engagements, all of them combining to doom the Confederate efforts to reach Danville.

The battle of Hillsman’s Farm, the battle of Marshall’s Crossroads and the battle of Lockett’s Farm on April 6 ac-counted for 7700 Southern casualties and the capture of nine (one actually preceded the battle itself) generals.

Lee, already past the action and headquartered at Rice’s Depot, heard the battle and rode back to fi nd his army in disarray. As his troops fl ed across Big Sailor’s Creek, Lee


Continued from page 7

Ranger Chris Joyner and Kari Dunnavant, historical interpreter, currently work at Sailor’s Creek State Park. Their duties will expand with the new facilities and plans for the park.


reportedly said, “My God, has the army dissolved?”

The remaining troops made a night march on the evening of the sixth, escaping through High Bridge. “They do get into Farmville and they do fi nd those rations,” Calkins said. By this time, however, Union Calvary was close behind and no sooner had the Confederates opened the boxcars, they were closed and sent further west to Pamplin Depot, as Union troops rode in and captured Farmville.

Lee’s troop crossed to the north side of the Appomattox and endured another night march heading for Appomattox Station, the next stop on the South Side Railroad.

Lee encountered Union troops at Cumberland Church on the evening of April 7, and received his fi rst communication from Grant regarding possible surrender.

“The evening of the eight, Lee’s army had reached the vi-cinity of Appomattox Court House,” Calkins said. The stop provided no relief for the tired and hungry troops, as Union Gen. George Custer captured the depot and trains of rations intended for Lee at Appomattox Station.

As for Custer’s personal involvement at Amelia Court House and the legend of his saving the county records at the courthouse, Calkins offered some clarifi cation. There’s no doubt Custer was responsible for placing guard over the

Continued on page 13


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Amelia County GovernmentBoard of Supervisors

Amelia County is comprised of fi ve election districts, each represented by a citizen on the Board of Supervisors. Members of the Governing Body are elected to four-year staggered terms and are responsible for rezoning requests, land use issues, and County Ordinances and Policies. The Board also sets the annual budget and appoints citizens to various Boards, Commissions and Committees.

Mission Statement

To provide open responsive leadership for the County of Ame-lia and improve the quality of life for all the citizens.

The current Amelia County Board includes:

Franklin D. Harris (Chairman) - District 5.

Ellsworth J. “Jim” Bennett (Vice-chairman) - District 1.

Weldon “Skip” Hall - District 2.

Ralph A. Whitaker, Jr. - District 3.

V. Kay Fletcher - District 4.

County Administrator

The County Administrator is the Chief Administrative Offi cer of the County Government, is appointed by the Board of Su-pervisors and serves at the pleasure of the Board. The County Administrator directs and supervises the day to day operations of all County Departments and Agencies under the direct control of the Board of Supervisors and further provides administrative support to the Governing Body, serves as the Supervisor’s liaison with the Constitutional Offi cers, the Judiciary, Regional, State and local agencies, authorities and community associations, and coordinates and implements the Board’s policy directives as they pertain to Board agendas, meetings, resolutions, legislative poli-cies and constituent services. Thomas E. Harris currently serves as Amelia County Administrator and the assistant County Ad-ministrator is Norma Duty. The County Administrator’s Offi ce is located at 16360 Dunn Street, Amelia Court House, 23002. Mr. Harris can be reached at (804) 561-3039 or [email protected]

Constitutional Offi ces

Constitutional Offi ces are elected positions that date back to

•

•

•

•

•

the earliest days of our Country and are so named because they are specifi cally established by the Constitution of Virginia. Ame-lia’s Constitutional Offi cers include:

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Marilyn L. Wilson serves as Amelia County’s Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Court is a court of record, and the clerk serves as recorder of deeds and probate judge, issues marriage licenses and is the administrator for all civil and criminal court cases. In this capacity the Clerk of the Court compiles and maintains all court fi les and records, prepares court orders and jury lists, issues summons and court processes and contacts jurors. Ms. Wilson’s Offi ce is located at 15441 Court Street in Amelia Court House, 23002 and her phone number is 804-561-2128.

Commissioner of the Revenue

Joyce P. Morris serves as the Amelia County Commissioner of the Revenue, and is responsible for assessing County Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes, collecting Business License Fees and assisting citizens in preparation of State income tax returns.

Ms. Morris also administers the state’s Personal Property Re-lief (Car Tax Relief) and Relief for the Elderly.

The Commissioner’s Offi ce is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ms. Morris can be reached at 804-561-2158.

Commonwealth’s Attorney

Lee R. Harrison serves as the Amelia County Common-wealth’s Attorney. Mr. Harrison is responsible for representing the citizens of Virginia in prosecuting criminal cases and works closely with the County Administrator in addressing local con-cerns. The Commonwealth Attorney is elected to a four-year term, and his offi ce is located at 9111 Washington Street in Ame-lia. Mr. Harrison can be reached at 804-561-3302.

County Treasurer

Pam Conyers is Amelia County Treasurer and like every other Treasurer in Virginia since 1870 is responsible for the collec-tion of real estate, personal property and license taxes, disburses county payments and manages the investment of local funds. The Treasurer also collects permit fees, Court, sheriff and clerk fees and assists with State income taxes. Ms. Conyer’s is a certi-fi ed Master Governmental Treasurer while Ms. Wanda Fleming (Deputy Treasurer) has obtained Master Governmental Deputy Treasurer certifi cation, both through the Weldon Cooper Insti-tute of the University of Virginia. For the convenience of our citizens Amelia County Tax and sewer bills can be paid on line at www.offi cialpayments.com. The Treasurer’s Offi ce is located at 16360 Dunn Street, Suite 103 and Ms. Conroy can be reached at 804-561-2145.

Sheriff

Rick Walker was elected Amelia County Sheriff in 2008. The Sheriff as one of Amelia’s Constitutional Offi cers and is elected to serve as the County’s Chief Law Enforcement Offi cer. The

Continued on page 14


records, but reports of him actually being in Amelia Court House are probably inaccurate.

“I was asked by a member of the Amelia Historical Soci-ety to study that question,” Calkins said. “According to the Offi cial records Custer himself was never in Amelia Court House,” he added.

The story may have origins in action that occurred after Lee left Amelia Courthouse. Custer did send one of his bri-gade commanders, Colonel William Wells, to inspect the town. Due to the distinctive uniform of Custer’s outfi t in-cluding a red bow tie, residents may have mistaken Wells for the infamous general.

“I even found a description of what he looked like, and that could be what actually happened,” Calkins said. “This doesn’t discount the story; it just discounts that Custer him-self was in Amelia.”

A new vision for Sailor’s Creek

Calkins is excited to return to an area he’s studied for most of his professional life, and he sees great things for Sailor’s Creek.

“It’s a signifi cant battle and tells a wonderful story of the fi nal days of the confl ict,” Calkins said. “I hope to enhance those efforts and add to what is already at the park.”

In Calkin's estimation the battlefi eld is a historical gem. “Most of the battlefi eld, 90 to 95 percent is located within Amelia County,” Calkins said.

He has a long-range plan for the park. “My personal goal is to see all of the park’s infrastructure be up and running by 2015, the 150th anniversary of the battle,” Calkins said.

That plan includes a relationship with National Park Ser-vice sites between Petersburg and Appomattox.

“All of those stories are related to my story at Sailor’s Creek,” he said. The importance of that story shouldn’t be underestimated, according to Calkins. “Seven of the stops on Lee’s Retreat are in Amelia County, and up until now, there wasn’t much at Sailor’s Creek. It was kind of a diamond in the rough.”

Calkins hopes to put that shimmer back on Sailor’s Creek and give the battle the historical recognition it deserves.

After the surrender, Lee wrote to former Confederate president Jefferson Davis on the signifi cance of Amelia Court House in the fi nal equation.

“I will therefore only now state that, upon arriving at Amelia Court-House on the morning of the 4th with the advance of the army, on the retreat from the lines in front of Richmond and Petersburg, and not fi nding the supplies ordered to be place there nearly twenty four hours were lost in endeavoring to collect in the country subsistence for men and horses,” Lee wrote in a letter dated April 12, 1865.

“This delay was fatal, and could not be retrieved.”


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Sheriff is empowered by the Code of Virginia to appoint depu-ties and civilian staff to affect his charges. Law enforcement covers a broad spectrum of duties ranging from traffi c manage-ment and safety to criminal investigations and the delivery of all warrants, subpoenas, summons, bill of complaints and levies. Sheriff Walker also manages the County’s Dispatch Offi ce for all Fire, Rescue and Police dispatches. Sheriff Walker’s offi ce is located at 16441 Court Street, Amelia Court House, 23002 and the Sheriff’s Offi ce phone number is (804) 561-2118.

COUNTY DEPARTMENTS

Planning Department

David Whitaker heads Amelia’s Planning Department and along with the Planning Commission, County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors is responsible for preparing the County for present and future growth. Mr. Whitaker can be reached at 804-561-3039. Additionally, many of the forms and services currently provided by the Amelia County Planning Department are available online at the County’s website, www.amelia.gov.va.us.

Building Department

Harold W. Rumfelt, C.B.O. serves as the Amelia County Building Offi cial and along with Assistant Building Offi cial Richard Jones is responsible for enforcing state and local build-ing codes on construction projects within the County. Housed in the County Administration Building, you can contact the Build-ing Department at 804-561-3039.

Parks and Recreation

Glenn Wilkerson serves as the Amelia County Director of

Parks and Recreation. Along with Carolyn Jackson (assistant) and a staff of six part-time employees and over fi fty volunteers the Recreation Department provides a wide range of activities that include, Youth Football, Soccer, Basketball and Softball as well as Youth Dances; Skating; Tae-bo; Karate; Gymnastics; Adult Aerobics; an open weight room and a Summer Playground Program. Additionally the Recreation Department works closely with both the Amelia County Library and Extension Offi ces. The Amelia County Parks and Recreation Offi ce is located at 16330 Dunn Street. Mr. Wilkerson can be reached at 561-4100.

Animal Control

The Amelia County Animal Shelter is located at the Joe H. Paulette Memorial Park (16565 Five Forks Road) in Amelia. With a staff of two full-time and one part-time employee the An-imal Control Department utilizes a vast array of volunteers and volunteer groups to make the Amelia County Animal Shelter among the most effi cient Public Shelters in the Commonwealth at having animals adopted. Donna Boutwell currently serves as Amelia’s Animal Control Offi cer and Cindy Case is the Kennel Assistant. Shelter hours are Monday through Thursday and Sat-urday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the shelter closed on Fridays.

You can reach the Shelter at [email protected]. or by telephone at 804-561-3878.

Environmental Resources

Ray York (Environmental Resource Manager) and Patty Aver-ett (Litter Control and Recycling Coordinator) are responsible for inspections and code compliance at both the Maplewood Land-fi ll (Waste Management) and County Green box sites as well as managing Amelia’s extensive recycling program. Additionally, Ray and Patty conduct educational programs, manage the Coun-ty’s litter control grant, investigate litter complaints and conduct



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County wide cleanups, including the annual “Amelia County Extreme Clean Makeover.” The Environmental Resource Offi ce is located at 20221 Maplewood Road, Jetersville and Mr. York and/or Ms. Averett can be reached at (804) 561-3004.

Public Works

Daryl Gough, Maintenance Supervisor manages a staff of sev-en dedicated County employees and works closely with VDOT and our County Engineers (B&B) to address County needs. Ad-ditionally Mr. Gough and his staff are responsible for all County Buildings and Grounds and help maintain Amelia’s public utili-ties. Located at 9030 North Five Forks Road in Amelia Court House, Mr. Gough can be reached at [email protected] or (804) 561-4565.

Amelia Court House Sanitary District

The Sanitary District serves approximately 437 residences and businesses with water and/or sewer services in and around Amelia Court House. The “District” has one 500,000 gallon elevated storage tank for water and a 300,000 gallon per day oxidation ditch system wastewater treatment plant. The Coun-ty is very fortunate to have the services of three certifi ed and experienced professionals that include Ronnie Tatum (Chief Wastewater Operator); Eugene Poe (Plant Operator) and Buddy Webster (Chief Water Operator) who work closely with Daryl Gough (Maintenance Supervisor) and his staff to provide water and sewer services to Court House residents. Mr. Tatum can be reached at (804) 561-6303 and Mr. Webster can be reached at (804) 561-3039.

Library

While part of Amelia County the Amelia Library offi cially known as the James Hamner Library is managed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Board of Supervisors and is located at 16351 Dunn St. in the Courthouse area. The hours of opera-tion are Monday and Friday - 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday-10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 to 2 a.m.

Dora Rowe, Library Director heads a staff of three fulltime and three part-time employees. Current programs include Story Time and Teen Gaming Day, with the Chess Club meeting on the 1st Wednesday of the month and Pajama Story on the 2nd Wednesday (6 p.m.) of the month. Other activities include Chil-

dren’s Gaming Day, Children’s Craft Day; Teen Movies; J-Pop Crafts, Pokemon League; Teen Book Club; College Survival Classes; Adult Crafts as well as a Scrapbooking Club. Please call 561-4559 for further information or go on line at www.Hamner-Library.org

Amelia County School Division

Vision Statement

The Amelia County Public Schools resolve to become the schools of choice for the community of Amelia where all stu-dents achieve at exemplary levels and emerge prepared for the future.

Mission Statement

With high expectations and equitable professional services, the Amelia County Public Schools will build positive relation-ships with students and community and assure attainment of high academic achievement, which exceeds all state and federal standards and provides all students with a foundation for the fu-ture.

Superintendent of Schools David M. Gangel, Ed.D., has served the Amelia County School Division for the past six years and oversees three major facilities, a staff of highly trained professionals and a growing School Division while Ms. Patri-cia Humphrey serves as Assistant Superintendent. The School Board Offi ce is located at 8701 Otterburn Road. Dr. Gangel can be reached at 561-2621 or at www.Amelia.k12.va.us

The Amelia County High School currently educates 556 stu-dents. Principal Mr. Melvin Rose and a staff that includes Ac-tivities Director Mr. Kelly Gardner are providing an exceptional education for students from the 9th through 12th grades. The contact number for the High School is 804-561-2101.

Amelia County Middle School welcomes students from the 5th through 8th Grades and currently has an enrollment of 565. Ms. Kathleen Farmer is the Middle School Principal while Mr. Jeff Borman serves as Assistant Principal. Ms. Farmer and her staff can be reached by phone at 804-561-4422.

Amelia County Elementary School enrolls grades K through fourth, and for the 2009 School Year serves 705 students. Ms. Kathy Stuart is Principal while Ms. Elvira Ford is Dean of Stu-dents. You may contact the Amelia County Elementary School at 804-561-2433.


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Amelia offers a variety of opportunities for those seeking recreation, adventure or just relaxation. Numerous antique shops dot the county, and there’s a treasure around every corner.

For the history lover, Amelia offers an ample amount of historic homes sties and legends. Lee’s Retreat, a series of stops from Petersburg to Appomattox, traces the last days of the Confederacy and the fi nal drive of the Army of Northern Virginia. The tour features interpretive stops complete with markers and radio messages. Seven of the stops are located in Amelia, making the nerve center of the retreat.

Amelia Courthouse was one of Lee’s last stops, and some Union generals, including Gen. Phillip Sheridan, thought the war would end in Amelia County. Lee had other plans, and escaped to fi ght another day, at other locations in the county.

Stops on the Lee’s Retreat Tour include:

Namozine Church where a rear guard calvary scrim-mage took place around the church as Lee’s soldiers marched toward Amelia Court House.

Amelia Court House, where General Lee brought all his troops from Richmond and Petersburg to gather at the small village. Lee hoped to continue into North Carolina and join forces with Gen. Joseph E. John-ston.

Jetersville, where Union forces confronted Lee and cut him off from his original escape route. Lee’s troops were forced to turn toward Farmville.

Amelia Springs where Union forces encountered Lee’s rear guard as they night marched to escape Grant’s troops in Jetersville.

Deatonville, the site of a engagement as Union troops closed in Lee’s retreating army. Union forces contin-ued on to Farmville.

Holt’s Corner, where Lee’s wagon train went north, and the army proceeded toward Little Sailor’s Creek.

Hillsman House, where Unions and Confederates fought a battle on the slope of the dwelling with di-sastrous results for the South. Most of the Confeder-ate troops surrendered, and the house was used as a hospital.

Marshall’s Crossroads, where Union calvary fought against Confederate infantry, fi nally forcing their re-treat or capture.

For more information about Virginia’s Civil War Trails, call 1-888-CIVIL WAR, or visit their website, www.civil-wartrails.org.

Metro Richmond Zoo

The Metro Richmond Zoo is located just over the Amelia County line off Route 360 in Chesterfi eld. The zoo offers

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Things to do in Amelia County

The Amelia Wildlife Management Area offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities including shooting ranges, nature trails and a lake.

This memorial garden is maintained by the Amelia County Garden Club.

visitors the opportunity for up close encounter with exotic animals. Regular penguin and giraffe feeding sessions are a big hit with the youngsters.

The zoo also features a thrilling 15-minute sky ride over the park, a real hit with visitors looking for a bird’s eye view of the attractions.

The zoo is also home to the annual Miracle of Christmas pageant, a celebration of the season with live animals and religious reenactors.

For more information on the Richmond Metro Zoo, visit their website at www.metrorichmondzoo.com.

Morefi eld Mine

For those in search of buried treasure, you may fi nd it in Amelia County, long known for its precious gems, minerals and rocks. Morefi eld Mine on Butler Road offers visitors to dig for numerous varieties of rocks, including the one of the world’s best supplies of Amazonite. The mine opens in the spring for visiting. Please call fi rst. For more information, call the mine at 561-3399,

The Amelia Wildlife Management Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike. Public fi shing and boating is available in one of the states largest managed areas.


The Amelia Historical Society was formed in 1958 and is trusted with preserving and maintaining the county’s important historical documents and arti-facts.

They adopted their bylaws on Aug. 6, 1963 and now have a permanent location at the corner of Church and Virginia Streets.

Annual memberships are available. The Society’s stated mission is” to discover, procure, and preserve whatever may relate to the history of the people of Amelia County, Virginia, and use this material to serve the people of Amelia County in study and research.”

The Society has been instrumental in many projects throughout the county including restoration of the old log cabin, a fall arts festival, house tours and a quar-terly newsletter.

For more information, contact the Amelia Histori-cal Society, 16501 Church St., P.O. Box 113, Amelia, VA 23002, 804-561-3180.

Company 1 – AmeliaB. Kent Emerson, Chief

8950 Otterburn RoadAmelia, VA 23002

804-561-3332 Company 2 – Mannboro

Steve Binford, Chief8641 Namozine RoadAmelia, VA 23002804-561-3932

Company 3 – JetersvilleJerry L. Hensley, Chief21575 Jetersville RoadJetersville, VA 23083804-561-393

Company 4 – MattoaxDonald J. Shreffl er, Chief11201 Genito RoadAmelia, VA 23002804-561-3335

Company 5 – Paineville Kenneth Llewellyn, Sr., Chief

12151 Fowlkes Bridge RoadAmelia, VA 23083

804-561-3694FIRE SERVICES

PresidentJames Mike Talley17140 Appaloosa Court Amelia, VA 23002804-561-1369 (voicemail box)

Vice President Bruce McFadden10201 Jennings LaneAmelia, VA 23002

Amelia County Fire Department

Amelia County Historical Society

Log cabin restored by Amelia Historical Society

Located 30 miles west of the city of Richmond, Virginia, the Amelia County Fire Department is a 100% volunteer department with 125 dedicated members, manning fi ve stations throughout Amelia County. The Amelia Fire Depart-ment volunteers selfl essly respond to Fire & EMS emergencies and also proudly assist neighboring

Counties with mutual aid when called upon or needed. In order to reach the Fire Department, be-cause the individual stations are not manned at all hours please call (804) 561-1369 or see our web site at Ameliavfd.com for non -emergency needs and dial 911 (Amelia County Dispatch) for any emergency.


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Documents

Discover Amelia 2008