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

Yelverton Peyton

Born 1735 – Died c.1782

Yelverton Peyton (1735-c.1782) was the son of John Peyton (1691-1760) of Stony Hill.  Part of this farm is now occupied by Aquia Harbour subdivision.  Yelverton served as sheriff of Stafford County in 1776.  He married Elizabeth Heath (born c.1739), the daughter of Samuel Heath and Anne Johnston Gerard.  He seems to have resided on a tract later known as The Fleurry’s, which was likely cut from Stony Hill.  The site of the Fleurry’s house is now occupied by Aquia Town Center shopping center.  For a number of years prior to and during the American Revolution, Yelverton operated an ordinary/tavern known as Peyton’s Ordinary.  This seems to have stood in the general vicinity of modern St. William of York Catholic Church on U. S. Route 1.  Elizabeth (Heath) Peyton operated the business after her husband’s death.  In May 1783 Yelverton Peyton submitted a claim to the Stafford County Court for forage, billeting 45 soldiers, a quantity of firewood, forage for one night for 11 horses, victuals, etc. procured from him by the Continental Army that had camped on and near his property.

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.

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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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