Emancipation Highway

Emancipation Highway Signs newsflash

As of January 1, 2022, the section of U.S. Route 1 in the city limits has been renamed Emancipation Highway. Street addresses with Jefferson Davis Hwy or Jeff Davis Highway that have 22401 zip codes have been changed. Please see our property address lookup table and find more information on the City of Fredericksburg's preparation for the renaming on this webpage below.

Why was the highway name being changed? On July 14, 2020 City Council passed a Resolution 20-57 in which they urged Virginia General Assembly to remove the name Jefferson Davis Highway from U.S. Route 1 statewide and replace it with a name that promotes our shared values of unity, equality, and a commitment to a better future for all Americans. HB 2075, renaming certain sections of Jefferson Davis Highway, was signed into law on March 30, 2021 with an effective date of January 1, 2022.

The portion of Route 1 within the City of Fredericksburg boundaries has been updated with new signage by our Fredericksburg Public Works staff. Additionally, several City departments have been updating a number of systems to accommodate new address information, while preserving the old address data.

Public Information Meeting was held on Thursday, October 7, 2021

The purpose of the meeting was to answer questions regarding the overall process. Timing, potential costs, and other important topics were addressed. Read resident notification letter here.

Letters to Property Owner / Businesses

Letters have been sent to those who have Jefferson Davis Highway addresses in the 22401 zip code on September 23 and October 29. Please watch for your confirmation letter in December as well.

22401 property address change

The following information is for residents, businesses and property owners who had a Jefferson Davis Highway address with the zip code 22401. The effective date for address changes was January 1, 2022.

Changing Your Property Address

Property Address Table 

Please check here for your proposed address change: Property Address Table for Jefferson Davis Hwy Address Changes (PDF)22401 property address change Copy Opens in new window

Recommended Actions for Residents, Businesses and Property Owners

Information on City-assigned addresses, including how street signs and address numbers must be posted, can be found in these two documents:

Using the January 1, 2022 effective date, key next steps for you (or your tenant) to take:

  1. Address Numbers. Change the address numbers on January 1, 2022 (as applicable). The numbers are usually located on the front of the building / mailbox. Address display standards can be found on pages 3-4 of the Addressing Policy.

  2.  Voter Registration. Update your address with the Fredericksburg Voter Registrar.  Note this address change will not affect your ability to vote on November 2, 2021, using your current address.

  3. Social Security. Update your address with the Social Security Administration. This can be performed online, without an appointment. 

  4. Department of Motor Vehicles. Update your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles.  This can be performed online, without an appointment. 

  5.  Business. Update your address on all business documents, including licensing and leases with tenants.

  6.  Other. Update your address with financial institutions, doctors’ offices, utility companies, subscriptions, and similar groups.

  7.  Post Office. The United States Post Office will automatically update its records with the address changes. You do not need to coordinate with the USPS specifically. The Post Office will forward mail for a minimum of twelve months following an address change.

  8.  Fredericksburg City Records. The City of Fredericksburg will automatically update its records with the address changes including Zoning and Building Permits, Water/Sewer/Trash Bills, Business License, Real Estate, Personal Property and Excise Tax information. You do not need to coordinate with the departments specifically. 

  9.  Fredericksburg City Public Schools. The Fredericksburg City Public Schools will automatically update its records with the address changes. You do not need to coordinate with FCPS specifically. 

Business Address Expense Grants

City of Fredericksburg businesses with Jefferson/Jeff Davis Highway addresses and valid business licenses will receive a $500 grant from the City of Fredericksburg and Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority to assist with expenses associated with the change. Qualifying businesses will be contacted by the City of Fredericksburg to verify mailing addresses for the checks.

Community Providers

Are you a business, organization or non-profit who provides services to those located along Jefferson Davis Highway in 22401? The City will be transitioning the highway name within the 22401 boundaries. Recommendations:

  1. Review and update the name change on your organization’s website and written materials 
  2. Review your customer/user databases per the address lookup table: Property Address Table for Jefferson Davis Hwy Address Changes (PDF) 

If you need assistance we are happy to provide information on the City’s processes. Please contact our Public Information Officer, Sonja Cantu by email spcantu@fredericksburgva.gov or by calling 540-372-1010. 

For more information

If you have any additional questions about how this address change will affect your property or business please feel free to email citymanager@fredericksburgva.gov or call 540-372-1010 with any questions.