Discover Stafford

10/19/2026

Before every Stafford school had a library, educator Anne E. Moncure carried books from school to school in a station wagon so children could borrow and exchange them. It’s a small detail that says a great deal about her dedication to students. Read her story: https://discoverstafford.pulse.ly/8uw9pxpyi9

10/18/2026

Can you imagine that years ago, cows used to graze on the flats of River Road, now owned by the National Park Service? The late Pina Brooks Swift shared that her parents moved to Ingleside by Belmont in 1922, where her father ran a dairy farm. She recalled, "All the boys in Falmouth would come to Ingleside to assist in moving the cows to the flats. Years before, my maternal grandfather, W.T. Deacon, and his sons had planted corn there. The boys would pick blackberries, and Mama would make them a blackberry roll. Since money was tight back then, the blackberry roll was the only reward the boys got for helping with the cows."

10/16/2026

A place can change dramatically within one lifetime. Discover Stafford’s Voices of Stafford collection brings together interviews with residents who knew the county as it developed. Set aside time to hear a Stafford story in someone’s own voice: https://discoverstafford.pulse.ly/0ubvsf8pjr

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…

10/15/2026

Looking for a local outing? Discover Stafford’s event listing has the Stafford County Agricultural Fair, October 15–18, at 504 Poplar Road. The listing includes rides, music, games, a petting zoo, and a homemaking contest. Check the fair organizer for the latest hours and admission details:

10/12/2026

In 1965, Stafford residents gathered to discuss the threatened loss of an old school building near Belmont. They could not save that school, but their effort helped launch the organization that became the Stafford County Historical Society. Discover how a local concern grew into decades of research and preservation: https://discoverstafford.pulse.ly/o4ahj3zwmm

In the summer of 1965, a small group of local residents met on the porch of Agnes Harrison’s old house, Clearview, in Falmouth to discuss the imminent destruction of a very old school building at the…

10/09/2026

✨ Fannie Roots (1914–2004) - A voice for her community in Stafford County

Born and raised in a small cottage beside Belmont, Fannie Roots lived there her entire life. Her family purchased the home in the 1880s, and she occasionally worked at Belmont for Gari and Corinne Melchers.

But Fannie’s legacy went far beyond Belmont—she became a respected civil rights activist and a passionate advocate for tax reform, attending county meetings for decades and speaking up for her neighbors. Her cottage has since been preserved and interpreted as part of Belmont’s broader story.

Her story is a powerful reminder of the voices that shaped Stafford’s history.

10/07/2026

Make plans for Saturday, October 10, at Pratt Park. Revolution on the Rappahannock lists a morning symposium from 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., followed by living history programming from 1–5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Check the full schedule and registration details before you go: https://discoverstafford.pulse.ly/kotucjrkqo

10/05/2026

Along the Rappahannock, James Hunter’s Iron Works played a part in the American Revolution. Want to see how this Stafford-area site fits into the larger story? The October 10 Revolution on the Rappahannock program includes presentations about Hunter, the forge, and the people connected to it. See the event details: https://discoverstafford.pulse.ly/xd8moxaxan

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.