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
John Fox
Born c.1770 – Died 1843
John Fox (c.1770-1843) was the younger half brother of Nathaniel Fox (1748-1819) who appears in late eighteenth century Stafford records. From 1791 to 1794 John served as Deputy Clerk of Court for Stafford County. He married Nancy “Ann” Threlkeld (1772-1828), the daughter and only child of Elijah Threlkeld (1744-1798). By means of this marriage he acquired Coal Trips on Aquia Creek. This outstanding piece of property had a fine landing from which commercial fishing was conducted for many years. John and Nancy lived there until around 1794 when they moved to Prince William County. John Fox represented Stafford County in the Virginia House of Delegates 1798-1799. Part of Coal Trips is now a Girl Scout camp very inaccurately named Cole’s Trip.
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.
