Three nationally significant events happened on Virginia's Northern Neck.

1) In 1608 Captain John Smith was taken as a captive up the Rappahannock River, "From hence this kind King conducted mee to a place called Topahanocke, a kingdom upon another River northward". Many historians believe he was taken up Piscataway Creek. (Pictured below)He was later released as he returned twice more to explore and conduct a peace tready. More information can be found at the Essex County Museum. www.essexmuseum.org

2) On February 22, 1732 George Washington (yes, the same guy on the dollar bill) was born at Popes Creek in Westmoreland County. Young George lived there for the first three years of his life until his family moved to Mt. Vernon. George Washington Birth Place Info.

3) On January 19th, 1807 Robert E Lee (General of the Confederate Army) was born miles away from G.W. Birth Place at Stratford Hall. He too, only lived at Stratford breifly (four years) before moving to Alexandria. The Lee family owned Stratford for 70 years before Robert E. Lee's birth. www.stratfordhall.org

The Northern Neck offered new settlers rivers deep water access by boat and barge to what became our Nation's Capital, Washington D.C. This was particularly important to trade of goods. When you live in the Northern Neck you have the opportunity to live in history.

Up next week: Events on the Northern Neck