About Us
Stafford is located midway between the
metropolitan areas of Washington, D. C. and Richmond, the capital of Virginia.
The County encompasses 277 square miles, 65% of which is still forested. Our
population in 2000 was approximately 92,000 people. Marine Corps Base Quantico,
the “Crossroads of the Marine Corps”, occupies 30,527 acres in the northern end
of the County. Stafford offers excellent public services to its citizens,
including one of the best school systems in the
Commonwealth.Recreational opportunities abound in
more than 1,000 acres of County, regional, state and national parks. Stafford
offers numerous sports amenities including 5 private marinas, 2 public fishing
lakes, 7 County parks, 188 acres of athletic fields and 3 golf courses. The
Rappahannock River, once a popular shipping route to the historic port of
Falmouth, flows along the southern boundary of the County. The Rappahannock has
been designated as a State Scenic River, and offers abundant wildlife habitat
and scenic recreational opportunities.
Founded in 1664, Stafford has
strong connections to events that shaped our nation's history. It was here, at
Marlborough Point in the eastern part of the county, that Indian Princess
Pocahontas was kidnapped and taken to Jamestown. Another historical figure also
made Stafford his home. The county's prosperous iron industry attracted
Augustine Washington, with the rest of his family, including a six-year-old son
named George, to Ferry Farm. The future first president spent his formative
years there until he reached young adulthood. Mining and quarrying were
important industries in colonial Stafford. Iron works furnished arms for the
American Revolution. Aquia sandstone, quarried in abundance on Government Island
in northern Stafford, provided stone for the White House, the U.S. Capitol and
trim for private homes.
During the Civil War, more
than100,000 troops, drawn by the county's proximity to the Richmond,
Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad to Aquia Creek, occupied Stafford for
several years.
Stafford continues to maintain a
strong connection with its rich historical tradition. Visitors can tour Ferry Farm and other compelling historical
sites such as Chatham Manor,
the Union Headquarters during the Battle of Fredericksburg; Belmont, the 18th century home of American
artist Gari Melchers; and Aquia Church, one of the oldest colonial churches in
the United States.
Stafford is also the site of many
businesses, including several Fortune 500 companies. A new regional airport opened in 2001,
which provides new opportunities for business development.
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