Welcome to
Discover Stafford

Stafford County spans more than 400
years of significant contributions in the
building of our nation.

We invite you to explore the stories we
know, add the stories not yet told, and
stay engaged as we celebrate and
Discover Stafford together!

Stafford Stories

Explore the stories and images of Stafford County. These stories are part of the history of a county, then a state, then a nation. It’s all connected. Stafford’s stories are America’s stories.

Heritage Trail

Explore and experience Stafford’s African American history spanning 300 years in Stafford County.

Historical Figure of the Week

Barnett Stewart

Born 1814 – Died 1871

Barnett Stewart (1814-1871) was the son of Bernard/Barnett Stewart (c.1788-c.1845) and Catherine Kendall (c.1793-after 1860) of Stafford County, Virginia.  He married Mary E. Bloxham (1824-1876).  Barnett was related to the Stewart family who owned Coal Landing on Aquia Creek.  The 1839 Stafford County Personal Property Tax Records state that he was then living on Stony Hill, the old Peyton tract.  Part of this is now Aquia Harbour subdivision.  During the War Between the States, Barnett Stewart lived near Brooke, just east of Stafford Courthouse.  McDowell’s troops took from Barnett’s farm 60 bushels of corn, 1 ox, 1 cow, 1 yearling, 360 panels of fence, 16 fowls, and 2 hogs.  At the June 1853 term of the Stafford court he was exempted from the county levy on account of age and infirmity.  Barnett died of typhoid and was buried in the Norman-Stewart family cemetery near Hope Road (Route 687).

History in Stafford

Explore the past with our interactive historical map, featuring artifacts and locations throughout history. Zoom in to discover more information and click on markers to learn more about specific time periods and places.

Get Involved

Discover Stafford is looking for volunteers for our upcoming events and projects. If you can spare some time to help out, it would be greatly appreciated. Even just a few hours can make a big difference.

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Come Join Us!

HFFI – Dance at the USO

Friday, August 15th

Government Island Walking Tour

Saturday, September 6th 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Via Colori 2025

Saturday, September 27th 10:00 AM – Sunday, September 28th 5:00 PM