Thomas Towson (1779-1861)—was born near Baltimore, Maryland. A marble cutter and quarrier by trade, Towson was much involved in cutting and supplying sandstone, also called freestone, for the building of the city of Washington. During the early 1800s, Thomas split his time between Baltimore and Stafford. Around 1806 he married Eleanor Norman of Edge Hill, Stafford County. He finally moved to Stafford around 1823 and lived at Rockdale off Courthouse Road (Route 630). Towson cut stone from the old Robertson Quarry near his house; however, his most important job was cutting the columns for the U. S. Capitol from Government Island in Aquia Creek. He purchased the commercial wharf at Coal Landing which was located a very short distance downstream from the island. He also owned the warehouse and several lots in the old town of Aquia, now Aquia Harbour subdivision. The shell of his Aquia stone home is still standing and is preserved near the Austin Ridge homeowners’ pool. An historical marker is by the house. Today it is known as the Robertson Towson House. Robertson refers to the former owner of the quarry located nearby.