Long before the Rappahannock Times came to being, a number of newspapers covered Essex County from Fredericksburg, Richmond, and Williamsburg, Virginia. The earliest newspaper printed in Tappahannock, Virginia, that we have copies of, is the Tidewater Index, for May 10, 1873. The Tidewater Democrat followed this in 1896, and by 1923 we find the Rappahannock Times, which is being printed today. The continuity of issues that have survived is poor, and the bulk of what is known to exist is found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. Entries from Tappahannock newspapers are verbatim transcripts, while entries from other newspapers may be abstracts. In addition to marriage and death notices, entries are included for land and/or buildings for sale or rent, notices of stolen or strayed livestock, items for sale and sales events, run-away slaves, lists of letters in the post office, accidents, and much more. The source is listed at the end of each entry. An index to full-names, places and subjects adds to the value of this work.