The county was probably named in honor of the Duke of Buckingham, though the precise origin is uncertain.

Some sources say that the county was named for Archibald Cary's estate "Buckingham," which was located on Willis Creek.

In 1778 a small triangular area bordering the James River was given to Cumberland County.

A final adjustment of the Appomattox-Buckingham county line was made in 1860, and Buckingham's borders then became fixed in their current form.

A fire destroyed the courthouse (designed by Thomas Jefferson) in 1869, and most of the early records of this county were lost.

In the nineteenth century the county was settled more heavily by people migrating from the Tidewater area.

[citation needed] It is still largely rural, with areas devoted to recreation such as fishing and hunting.

[6] During the American Civil War, General Robert E. Lee's army marched through the county during his retreat on their way to surrender at Appomattox, Virginia.

That they may not be forgotten, this plaque is placed by the Elliott Grays UDC Chapter #1877 2003.In 2011, the county celebrated its 250th anniversary.

People of African American descent comprise 35.1% of the population, usually having European ancestry as well.