| Stafford
County Stafford County real estate is very
affordable when compared to that of its neighbors in
northern Virginia. Its proximity to Historic
Fredericksburg makes it even more appealing
to those caring to identify with "community
Stafford is located midway between the metropolitan
areas of Washington, D. C. and Richmond, the capital of
Virginia. The County encompasses 277 square miles, 65%
of which is still forested. Stafford population in 2000
was approximately 92,000 people. Marine Corps Base
Quantico, the “Crossroads of the Marine Corps”, occupies
30,527 acres in the northern end of the County.
Stafford offers excellent public services to its
citizens, including one of the best school systems in
the Commonwealth. Recreational opportunities abound in
more than 1,000 acres of County, regional, state and
national parks. Stafford offers numerous sports
amenities including 5 private marinas, 2 public fishing
lakes, 7 County parks, 188 acres of athletic fields and
3 golf courses. The Rappahannock River, once a popular
shipping route to the historic port of Falmouth, flows
along the southern boundary of the County. The
Rappahannock has been designated as a State Scenic
River, and offers abundant wildlife habitat and scenic
recreational opportunities.
Founded in 1664, Stafford has strong connections to
events that shaped our nation's history. It was here, at
Marlborough Point in the eastern part of the county,
that Indian Princess Pocahontas was kidnapped and taken
to Jamestown. Another historical figure also made
Stafford his home. The county's prosperous iron industry
attracted Augustine Washington, with the rest of his
family, including a six-year-old son named George, to
Ferry Farm. The future first president spent his
formative years there until he reached young adulthood.
Mining and quarrying were important industries in
colonial Stafford. Iron works furnished arms for the
American Revolution. Aquia sandstone, quarried in
abundance on Government Island in northern Stafford,
provided stone for the White House, the U.S. Capitol and
trim for private homes.
During the Civil War, more than 100,000 troops, drawn by
the county's proximity to the Richmond, Fredericksburg
and Potomac Railroad to Aquia Creek, occupied Stafford
for several years.<p>Stafford continues to maintain a
strong connection with its rich historical tradition.
Visitors can tour Ferry Farm and other compelling
historical sites such as Chatham Manor, the Union
Headquarters during the Battle of Fredericksburg;
Belmont, the 18th century home of American artist Gari
Melchers; and Aquia Church, one of the oldest colonial
churches in the United States.
Stafford is also the site of many businesses, including
several Fortune 500 companies. A regional airport opened
in 2001; it provides many new opportunities for business
development.
You should think seriously about making Stafford County
your new home! Homes for sale in Stafford County VA are very
reasonably priced when compared to those in the entire Washington DC
area. |