The county is named for Princess Amelia of Great Britain, daughter of King George II.

The last major battle of his army was fought at Sayler's Creek, on the border of Amelia and Prince Edward counties, on April 6.

Amelia is known for its minerals, including the nation's best supply of amazonite, a green feldspar found at the Morefield mine.

In 1986 the Amelia County Fair sponsored a competition for the world's largest potato pancake (with apple sauce).

It was constructed to raise money that year for the German American National Scholarship Fund.

The county is bordered by the Appomattox River to the north and west, and Namozine Creek to the east.

The highest elevation is 525 feet (160 m), on SR 616 (S. Genito Road) at the community of Gills in the southwest corner of the county.

The following sites in Amelia County are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: