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!
Doris McAdams
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our president, Doris McAdams, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Doris was a dedicated member of the Historical Society Board of Directors for many years. She served as Corresponding Secretary from 2010 to 2025 before being elected president. Her commitment and passion for preserving our local history will be greatly missed.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Rock Hill Baptist Church, 12 Van Horn Lane, Stafford, Virginia 22556. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Interment will take place at Quantico National Cemetery on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Please keep Doris’s family and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time..
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
Thomas Fristoe
Born 1767 – Died 1815
Thomas Fristoe (1767-1815) was the son of Daniel Fristoe (1739-1774), a minister at Chappawamsic Baptist Church in northern Stafford. Several of the Fristoe family were well-respected leaders in the early Baptist Church. Thomas served in the War of 1812 as a captain in the 45th regiment of Virginia militia (Stafford County). In Missouri there is a chapter of the U. S. Daughters of 1812 named the Thomas Fristoe Chapter. Thomas married Lydia Wells (1761-1830), the daughter of Carty Wells of Stafford County and, later, of Shelby County, Kentucky. Thomas Fristoe served as a magistrate in Stafford from at least 1809 to 1813 and was Commissioner of the Revenue from around 1809 to 1814. The Fristoe family was long established on Chappawamsic Run in upper Stafford where they not only farmed but also ran a combination grist, saw, and fulling mill.
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.
Get Social
Stay current on everything Discover Stafford using Facebook and Instagram.
We invite you to use #discoverstafford to share your Stafford experiences on our social platforms.
Donate
Your gift will support our mission to teach, research and interpret the history and culture of Stafford County.
Stay Tuned
Learn about upcoming Society and Museum news. Become a member so you can be one of the first to know.
