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Marker inscription: In 1930, this 1880s log cabin was moved to its present location from the corner of Butler Road and Carter Street. The Falmouth historic community saved it with the help of noted architect Edward Donn, for they believed it was similar to the type of house where Master Hobby conducted school for young…

Marker inscription: Utilized by Native Americans for millennia, and purchased by the federal government in 1791, Government Island’s unique stone was used in the original construction of both the U.S. Capital and the White House. Aquia sandstone from this quarry was favored for its bright color, fine-grained quality and for ease in intricate carving. George…

Established in 1891, it was originally home to the Falmouth Baptist Church congregation. For over 110 years, this church has served as a highlight of the Falmouth skyline, a beacon linking its citizens to the past.

Marker inscription: The town of Falmouth was established here in 1727 at the falls of the Rappahannock River. One of Virginia’s busiest ports during the 18th and early 19th centuries, the town offered a tobacco inspection station, tobacco and cotton warehouses, flour mills, a ferry, and stores. Hunter’s Iron Works nearby provided crucial supplies to…

Marker inscription: George Washington’s Childhood Home The Washington family moved to a plantation here in 1738 when George Washington was six years old. Along with his three brothers and sister, young Washington spent most of his early life here, where, according to popular fable, he cut down his father’s cherry tree and uttered the immortal…

Marker inscription: First Roman Catholic Settlement in Virginia The crucifix by sculptor Georg J. Lober, erected in 1930, commemorates the first English Roman Catholic settlement in Virginia. Fleeing political and religious turmoil in Maryland, Giles Brent and his sisters Margaret and Mary established two plantations called Peace and Retirement on the north side of Aquia…

This two-story frame building constructed in about 1780 in Falmouth was used as a warehouse, a Masonic lodge and a private residence before becoming the present commercial office building.

Marker inscription: Here is Chatham, built about 1750 by William Fitzhugh.  Here Robert E. Lee came to court his wife.  In the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, the house was occupied by General Sumner.  It was General Hooker’s headquarters for a time, 1863.

Marker inscription: Gari Melchers Home and Studio “Belmont” Overlooking the falls of the Rappahannock River on a major 17th and 18th century trade route, this site became the setting for the artist’s internationally acclaimed early 20th century paintings celebrating the lives and character of the citizens of Falmouth and Fredericksburg.  

Marker inscription: The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad was extended to its terminus here at Aquia Landing in 1846. By steamboat and railroad, travelers from Washington, D.C., to Richmond could complete in 9 hours a journey that took 38 hours by stagecoach. In May-June 1861, Confederate batteries at Aquia Landing exchanged fire with Union gunboats.…

Marker inscription: Here is Aquia Church, the church of Overwharton Parish, formed before 1680 by the division of Potomac Parish. It was built in 1757, on the site of an earlier church, in the rectorship of Reverend John Moncure, who was the parish minister from 1738 to 1764. The Communion Silver was given the parish…

Voices of Stafford The Stafford County Historical Society has collected oral interviews with native citizens. Each interview runs about one hour and features citizens who are familiar with the history and development of Stafford County. Among life experiences and changes observed in Stafford, some genealogy is included. Select a Storyteller below to learn more. Tell…