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
Robert G. Hickerson
Born 1829 – Died 1898
Robert G. Hickerson (1829-1898) was the son of Ransom Hickerson (c.1794-1844) and Mary Mason Kendall (1799-c.1867) of Stafford. In April 1863 Robert enlisted as a sergeant with the 9th Virginia Cavalry. He was later appointed quartermaster sergeant. Robert married Mary E. Combs (1832-1903), the widow of Bolivar C. Combs (1831-1862). According to Robert’s obituary, the deceased, together with James P. Simpson, William B. Jones, William Snellings, and Edward Sterne, were appointed commissioners to view the road between Belle Plain and James’ Hill and to ascertain the cost of reopening it. After completing their survey, the group met at the home of Simeon C. Peyton (c.1829-1905) for supper. After their meal, the men retired to the parlor for cigars and port. Robert G. Hickerson dropped dead with an apparent heart attack. He was buried at Auburn, his farm in the upper part of Stafford County, now part of the Quantico Marine Corps reservation.
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.
