Native American Indians roamed and settled in the area known as Virginia centuries before the first documented Indian settlement in Stafford County. Indians lived here as early as 1,000 B.C., hundreds of years before princess Pocahontas and English Captain John Smith visited these shores. In 1647, the Brent family migrated from Maryland to establish the first permanent English settlement. The Brent family cemetary is located in North Stafford and is being maintained by a local chapter of the Knights of Columbus. Stafford County was formed a few years later in 1664.

By the early 1700's, the Indians having dispersed, the county experienced a growth of farms, small plantations, gristmills and sawmills. Mining and quarrying became important industries. Iron works furnished arms for the American Revolution. Aquia sandstone, quarried in abundance from Government Island, provided stone for the White House, the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, and trim for private homes. After the destruction of Federal Buildings in Washington, D.C. by the British during the War of 1812, quarries were reopened for a short time to aid reconstruction. Gold mining became a leading industry in the southwestern portion of Stafford County in the 1830's.

With the coming of the Richmond, Fredricksburg, and Potomac Railroad to Aquia Creek in 1842, the county became vulnerable to troop movements during the Civil War. Although Stafford County suffered no major battles, over 100,000 troops occupied the area for several years, stripping the county of its livelihood, farmland, and vegetation. Families endured the loss of churches and private homes as they were used as impromptu hospitals. Valuable records were also lost.

Prosperity did not return until World War I when the U.S. Marine Corps came to Quantico. At that time, the county was primarily agricultural, with the exception of fishing industries situated along the Potomac River. In World War II, the wide expansion of the Marine Corps base created new employment opportunities. A C.C.C. camp was located in southern Stafford County during this time.

With the completion of Interstate 95 in the 1960's and the recent addition of VRE commuter rail that delivers easy access to Washington, D.C. Metro Rail and Amtrak, Stafford County is one of Virginia's fastest growing localities. While encouraging industry, the county is trying to maintain its wonderful rural atmosphere.

If you would like to know more about Stafford's rich history contact:
Stafford County's Historical Society (540)659-8641.