Discover Stafford

With heavy hearts, Discover Stafford and the Stafford County Historical Society share the passing of our President, Doris McAdams, on July 29, 2026. Doris served the Historical Society Board for over a decade — as Corresponding Secretary from 2010 to 2025, and most recently as President. Her devotion to preserving Stafford's story shaped so much of the work we carry forward today. She was laid to rest at Quantico National Cemetery on August 5. We hold her family, friends, and fellow volunteers close in our thoughts.

Discover the story of Sandy Gibson, a dedicated blacksmith who called northern Stafford home before 1910. He owned land now part of the Marine Corps reservation and was trusted as a trustee for the local Baptist Church. Proud father of Margaret, Marthella, and Mary Frances. A glimpse into our rich history!

🧾 Stafford History Spotlight: Old-Time Remedies

Charles D. Green (1873–1957), a well-known storekeeper in Brooke, kept a handwritten notebook full of home remedies—including this interesting treatment for lockjaw (tetanus).

His instructions?
👉 “Apply turpentine to the face, neck, and along the spine… pour warm turpentine into the wound… keep patient in a dark room… give strong tea or meat broth.”

Thankfully, tetanus is rare today—and definitely don’t try this one at home!

📚 Want more glimpses into Stafford’s past? Visit https://pulse.ly/pht0o7xbuz.

They Called Stafford Home: Lewis K. Knight (c.1820-1893)

Lewis K(enneth?) Knight was the son of William Knight (before 1775-c.1830) and Glady Fritter (c.1780-c.1857) of Stafford. Just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, Lewis was arrested for the murder
of Elijah A. Ennis (c.1826-c.1860). The county court gave him the option of serving in the Confederate army or being tried for murder. He chose military service with the understanding that if he survived the war, he would be free. He did survive and lived in Stafford for the remainder of his life. He seems to have supported himself by farming and by helping his son, Capt. John Wesley Knight (1846-1937), with his timber business. Lewis’ farm is now part of the Embrey Mill subdivision, and the developer restored his house. Notice that the main body of the chimney is built of blocks of Aquia freestone. The foundation, not visible on this side of the house, is also of freestone. Although this part of Stafford is some two miles from Aquia Creek, it abounds with Aquia stone that was not only used locally for chimneys, foundations, steps, and gravestones but was also sold and shipped to Washington for the construction of the public buildings there.

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker spent time in Stafford County during the Civil War, caring for injured soldiers at places like Chatham. She went on to make history as a recipient of the Medal of Honor and later joined Susan B. Anthony and Lucy Stone in organizing the Women’s Suffrage Association for Ohio. Long before women won the right to vote, Stafford County had one of the movement’s trailblazers right here at home.

History on the Map — Literally 🗺️
Have you tried our interactive historical map? Zoom in on Stafford County and click markers to uncover artifacts, locations, and stories spanning prehistory to modern times.

It's one of those rabbit holes you don't regret falling into. What's the most surprising thing you find?

Explore → https://pulse.ly/y1feelioix

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Sign up now and get your first year FREE! Enjoy perks like a newsletter subscription, 10% off online purchases, and exclusive Society and Museum events updates. Don't miss out! 🏛️ https://pulse.ly/glsdmqd2re

Step back in time to Falmouth Bottom, circa the early 1900s—as seen from the bridge, where horse-drawn carts roll past weathered storefronts, such as the Plum Bar & Groceries, offering a window into a simpler time. What's your favorite slice of history?

The island that helped build a capital

Some of the stone beneath the nation’s most famous buildings started right here in Stafford. 🪨

Government Island “America’s Historic Stone Quarry” supplied the Aquia Creek sandstone used to construct the early United States Capitol and the White House. Today it’s a 17-acre nature preserve on the National Register of Historic Places, where an elevated boardwalk winds through wetlands and woods, past interpretive signs that tell its story.

It’s a beautiful summer morning walk and a reminder that Stafford didn’t just witness the building of a nation. It helped quarry it.

Have you walked the Government Island boardwalk? Tell us below. 👇

In the summer of 1965, local residents gathered on Agnes Harrison’s porch in Falmouth to discuss saving a historic school building. By October, they formed 'Historic Falmouth Towne and Stafford County, Inc.' and started working to preserve our rich history. Although they couldn't save the school, their efforts raised awareness about Stafford’s historic buildings and inspired ongoing preservation efforts. Today, their goals remain as important as ever:

▫️To gather information on Stafford’s early residents;
▫️To plan for the conservation and wise use of historic resources;
▫️To publicize and disseminate information about the county’s history.