Discover Stafford

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Discover Stafford

A virtual museum that creates a community and tells stories about the richness of Stafford, VA

10/01/2026

Stafford’s history lives in its places, records, photographs, and the stories people carry with them. This fall, we’re exploring the people and events that shaped our county. What part of Stafford’s past would you like to know more about? Explore the stories at https://discoverstafford.pulse.ly/nkd8fa63w5

09/30/2026

📜 Stafford History Spotlight: William Fitzhugh (1741–1809)

Born into two of Virginia’s most powerful families, William Fitzhugh inherited immense wealth at just two years old—and went on to shape both Stafford County and the early nation.

After marrying Ann Randolph, he built the grand estate Chatham along the Rappahannock River (1768–1771), a home so impressive it became a favorite stop for travelers—including George Washington, who often visited and dined at Fitzhugh’s famously crowded table.

A devoted patriot, Fitzhugh served in the House of Burgesses, the Revolutionary Committees, the Virginia House of Delegates, and the State Senate, even helping oversee local mu*****ns production during the Revolution.

His legacy continued through deep family ties to the Washington, Carter, Custis, and Lee families—connections that shaped generations of Virginia history.

09/27/2026

This brick building, located near the Stafford County Courthouse on U.S. Route 1, has remained largely unchanged, despite significant changes in its surroundings. It currently houses Aquia Realty. Historically, the charming structure was known as the Hotel Virginia, also referred to as the Hotel Stafford and Village Hotel & Coffee Shop. It was one of the earliest tourist spots along the route between Washington and Fredericksburg, offering a "Dining Room, Popular Prices, Hot & Cold Water, and Steam Heat."

09/25/2026

Most large-scale mining in Stafford ended after the discovery of gold in California in 1849. While Virginia gold was high-quality, Western gold was cheaper and easier to mine, particularly because water seepage made Stafford mining more difficult and costly. Still, the idea of Stafford serving as a potential source of Confederate gold during the war remains intriguing. Evidence indicates that mining occurred during the conflict, with strong links to the Confederate War Department’s Nitre and Mining Bureau, which processed gold ore.

09/23/2026

School's back in session and so are our memories! Did you or a family member attend one of Stafford's historic schools, like the Training School, Falmouth High, or Leeland School? Share your stories and photos with us they help us keep Stafford's education history alive for the next generation.

📷: Leeland School 1940

09/21/2026

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/jzwnmmcjtx

09/19/2026

Join Discover Stafford for a special tour of the historic Aquia Episcopal Church graveyard!

Anita Dodd will present a program on graveyard iconography and stone carvers, while Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor will share the stories of several individuals buried there. The church will also be open for visitors.

📅 Saturday, September 26
🕐 1:00–3:00 p.m.
📍 Aquia Episcopal Church
2938 Richmond Highway, Stafford, VA 22554

Come spend an afternoon discovering the history preserved in one of Stafford County’s most significant historic places.

Learn more and get directions:
https://discoverstafford.org/program/aquia-graveyard-tour/

09/18/2026

They Called Stafford Home: Meet Dr. John Churchill Gordon (1871-1949).

He was the son of Dr. John Churchill Gordon (1831-1919) and Mary Beale Pegram (1841-1912) of Albemarle County. John graduated from the University of Virginia’s Medical School in 1908 and came to Stafford to fill a vacancy left by the death of local physician Dr. Ralph W. Hill (1883-1916). He married Cornelia Rebecca Borst (1880-1949) and lived on a farm now occupied by the Giant Food store and Home Depot on Garrisonville Road. In addition to providing medical services to the community for nearly fifty years, he also served as county coroner and operated a dairy business on his farm. Dr. Gordon was the brother of Stafford County Surveyor George L. Gordon, Sr. (1862-1952) and the uncle of Stafford’s Commissioner of the Revenue, George L. Gordon, Jr. (1918-2008).

09/15/2026

Travelers Drive-In Restaurant, Falmouth, Virginia
Established in 1948, this iconic spot on U.S. 1 near the Falmouth Bridge served delicious food for a decade. Unfortunately, a fateful night brought a sudden end when a soap-hauling tractor-trailer collided with a pickup truck and came crashing into the restaurant. The building was beyond repair and had to be demolished, leaving a lasting memory of its remarkable history.

09/13/2026

Throwback to circa 1928 when Mrs. Ellis's store was at the northwest corner of Route 1 and Route 17 in Falmouth. Check out the Coca-Cola ads on the house! 🥤 Fun fact: During this time, started its long-term partnership with the Olympic Games by providing drinks at kiosks around the venues in Amsterdam. 🏅

Address

Stafford, VA

Telephone

(540) 286-1118

Website

http://discoverstafford.org/

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