Discover Stafford

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

Before Aquia Church, there was Potomac Church, a brick edifice near Brooke that served Overwharton Parish from about 166...
09/07/2026

Before Aquia Church, there was Potomac Church, a brick edifice near Brooke that served Overwharton Parish from about 1665 to 1804. When travel proved too difficult for outlying families, a small frame chapel rose near where Aquia now stands. Rector John Moncure, who arrived from Scotland, became Aquia's first minister in 1751 and led the parish until 1764.

Join us Saturday, September 26, to walk the graveyard where centuries of Stafford's story are written in stone.

Stafford's students went back to class last month, we're looking back at the Rowser Building, opened in 1939 as the Staf...
09/03/2026

Stafford's students went back to class last month, we're looking back at the Rowser Building, opened in 1939 as the Stafford Training School, the only place Black students in Stafford could continue their education past the 7th grade. Built by the Public Works Administration and expanded piece by piece (including a 1960 addition built by county bus drivers, unpaid, between routes), the school later bore the name H.H. Poole Junior High and, in 1976, was renamed to honor longtime teacher and principal Ella Rowser. One of its own, Reverend Edward Smith of Mount Hope Baptist Church, worked from the inside to help integrate Stafford's schools. The Rowser Building joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 and now serves as a senior center.

They Called Stafford Home: Robinson DaggsRobinson Daggs (c.1800-1900) was the son of John Daggs (c.1760-1860), a slave b...
09/01/2026

They Called Stafford Home: Robinson Daggs

Robinson Daggs (c.1800-1900) was the son of John Daggs (c.1760-1860), a slave belonging to Col. John T. Cooke (1755-1819) of Stafford. Before obtaining his freedom, John Daggs had worked in Cooke’s freestone quarries on Aquia Creek. Interestingly, one of Robinson’s brothers was named George Brent Daggs (born c.1797). George Brent (1763-1804) of Woodstock, located on Aquia Creek, also had a long association with Stafford’s freestone industry. Robinson Daggs was photographed on part of the Moncure family’s Somerset farm near Chappawamsic Creek. His grandson, James Marshall Jackson (1878-1968), was well known in the Wide Water area of Stafford.

Meet Robert G. Hickerson, Stafford's Historical Figure of the Week. Born to Ransom Hickerson and Mary Mason Kendall, Rob...
08/18/2026

Meet Robert G. Hickerson, Stafford's Historical Figure of the Week. Born to Ransom Hickerson and Mary Mason Kendall, Robert enlisted in 1863 as a sergeant with the 9th Virginia Cavalry and later served as quartermaster sergeant. After the war, he helped survey Stafford's roads as a county commissioner. He's buried at Auburn, his family farm, land that is now part of Quantico Marine Corps Base. A reminder of how personal history and national history sit side by side here in Stafford.

Built in 1751 and still in weekly use today, Aquia Church is one of the finest surviving examples of colonial architectu...
08/16/2026

Built in 1751 and still in weekly use today, Aquia Church is one of the finest surviving examples of colonial architecture in America. Master builder Mourning Richards nearly lost everything when a fire gutted the unfinished church in 1755, he rebuilt it at his own expense and turned over the keys in 1757. Its three-tiered pulpit remains original. Mark your calendar: we're touring Aquia's graveyard on September 26!

🗺️ Explore Stafford like never before!Our interactive history map lets you uncover historic locations, artifacts, and st...
08/13/2026

🗺️ Explore Stafford like never before!

Our interactive history map lets you uncover historic locations, artifacts, and stories from across Stafford County.

Zoom in and discover what happened right where you’re standing today.

Try it now: https://pulse.ly/nh2z8khkuc

Want to walk through history? Visit sites like the Hartwood Presbyterian Church (built 1857-59), which witnessed Civil W...
08/10/2026

Want to walk through history? Visit sites like the Hartwood Presbyterian Church (built 1857-59), which witnessed Civil War action. Stafford County has hidden gems around every corner. Explore, be curious, and discover.



📸 credit:
1st Image: Calder Loth, 2021
Black & White Image: DHR, ca 1996

With heavy hearts, Discover Stafford and the Stafford County Historical Society share the passing of our President, Dori...
08/06/2026

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 ...
08/05/2026

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!

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