In 1728, the Virginia General Assembly adopted a resolution creating a port and trading post at the Rappahannock Fall Line.
They named the town Fredericksburg, after Frederick, the Prince of Wales.
The locality has undergone plenty of reorganization since then, including designation as an independent city in 1879. In 1912, Fredericksburg adopted the council-manager form of government.
That history was front of mind Monday, as four councilors took their oath of office inside a crowded upstairs room in the Fredericksburg Area Museum.
Flanked by family members, Ward 1 Matt Rowe, Joy Crump (Ward 2), Susanna Finn (Ward 3) and Chuck Frye Jr. (Ward 4) took turns reciting the oath as administered by Clerk of Courts Jeff Small. All four won election in November and will serve four-year terms.
Frye was named vice mayor — a largely ceremonial role that he held previously — in a unanimous vote.
Monday’s meeting also included the appointment of City Attorney Kelly Lackey, Clerk of Council Molly Henderson and Deputy Clerk of Council Brenda Martin.
Before adjourning, the new council unanimously approved its meeting calendar for 2026.
