We provide top-notch services to our residents, including one of the best school systems in the Commonwealth. Recreational opportunities abound in more than 1,200 acres of County, regional, state and national parks. Stafford offers numerous sports amenities at 18 parks and recreational facilities including a beach at Aquia Landing, two public fishing lakes, and three golf courses. Crow’s Nest, located in north Stafford, is one of the most pristine undeveloped land tracts on the Eastern Seaboard, and will soon become Virginia’s 54th state natural area preserve. With a past steeped in the lore of early America, and thousands of acres of beautiful hardwood forests, deep ravines and wetlands, Crow’s Nest is strikingly beautiful and a rich historical and natural resource. 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. The boyhood home of the Father of our Country, George Washington, was recently excavated at Ferry Farm in south Stafford. The first president spent his formative years here 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 than 100,000 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.

We are proud of our unique heritage, but we continue to plan for a robust and sustainable future. As we work with our community partners to preserve our historical sites, we are also enlisting the help of citizens, business owners and first-class consultants to redevelop several areas throughout Stafford. These “community centers” will serve as beacons for high quality businesses and offer many recreational and cultural opportunities. Stafford is already home to many businesses, including several Fortune 500 companies as well as the Stafford Regional Airport, Medicorp’s newly opened Stafford Hospital Center, the Riverside Dinner Theater and Conference Facility, the University of Mary Washington’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies, and the Marine Corps Base at Quantico, the “Crossroads of the Marine Corps,” which occupies 30,527 acres in the northern end of the County.

I hope that you enjoy your virtual tour of Stafford. I encourage you to visit in person and take advantage of our business opportunities, rich history and friendly residents.

Anthony Romanello
County Administrator