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

Capt. John Wesley Knight
Born 1846 – Died 1937
John Wesley Knight (1846-1937) was the son of Lewis K. Knight (c.1820-1893) and Roberta Garrison (c.1818-c.1905) of Stafford and was generally known as Capt. Wesley Knight. Although he was of age to have served during the War Between the States, there’s no evidence he did so. Uninterested in farming, as a young boy he took a job as a cook on the schooner Ipsawasson, which was then engaged in hauling cordwood. Eventually, he owned several sailing and steam vessels and conducted a large timber business. He shipped vast quantities of lumber, cordwood, and railroad ties out of Coal Landing on Aquia Creek where he also had a store. His partner in the timber business was his brother, Uriah Knight (1853-1914). Wesley married Betty Colvin (1858-1914). He did well with his business efforts and was one of the few people in Stafford who had enough money to be required to pay income taxes when that was first instituted. Part of his farm is now Greenwood subdivision between Olde Concord Road (Route 721) and Coal Landing Road (Route 631).

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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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.

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Your gift will support our mission to teach, research and interpret the history and culture of Stafford County.
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