Essex County was created in 1692 by an act of the General Assembly when Old Rappahannock County was divided and abolished. It was provided:
That the aforesaid county of Rappahannoc be divided into two distinct counties, soe that Rappahannoc river divide the same, and that that part which is now on the north side thereof be called and known by the name of Richmond county, and that that part which is now on the south side thereof be called and known by the name of Essex county;...
And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid and it is hereby enacted, that the records belonging to the county court of Rappahannoc before this division be kept in Essex County, that belonging wholly to their majesties, and the other to the proprietors of the Northern Neck.
The new county took its name from Essex County, England. In 1720 Spotsylvania was taken from Essex's holdings, and in 1728 the northern portion of Caroline County was also taken from Essex's lands. At that time Essex County attained its present boundaries.
Land probate, and court records for the county begin in 1692. The earliest marriage records date from 1804. There is also an index of the records of Old Rappahannock County, 1654-92.
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