Stafford

 

 

History

Stafford County is located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a U.S. state. As of the 2000 census, the population was 92,446, however, the estimated population as of 2007 was 124,117, a 33.0% increase. Its county seat is Stafford. In 2006 Stafford was ranked as the 12th highest income county in America by Forbes Magazine. U.S. Route 1, Interstate 95, and Virginia Railway Express commuter railway serve the county.

This county is also a part of the Washington Metropolitan Area.

Stafford County was established by the British colonial government of Virginia in 1664 from territory that was previously part of Westmoreland County, Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, and Prince William County, and thus encompassed the majority of what is now considered Northern Virginia. The county is named for Staffordshire, England.

Pocahontas, the Indian princess, was kidnapped at Marlborough Point in the eastern part of the county and taken to a secondary English settlement known as Henricus (or Henrico Town). While there, she converted to Christianity and married English settler John Rolfe in April 1614.

George Washington spent much of his childhood in the lower part of the county on his family's home, Ferry Farm, along the Rappahannock River across from the city of Fredericksburg. It was during this time that George supposedly cut down the legendary cherry tree. Colonial Forge High School was built on a tract of land owned by his father, Augustine Washington.

George Mason also spent his formative years in Stafford.

Aquia Church, a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1757 and remains open today.

During the Revolutionary War the Stafford iron works furnished arms for the American soldiers.

Aquia Creek Sandstone quarried from Stafford's Government Island was used to build the White House and the Capitol.

More than 100,000 troops occupied Stafford during the American Civil War for several years. The Battle of Aquia Creek took place in Stafford in the Aquia Harbour area. The Potomac Creek Bridge was vital to both the Union Army and Confederate Army at various times during the war.

In Falmouth, a town in the southern part of Stafford County bordering Fredericksburg, is Belmont, home to the late-19th century artist Gari Melchers.

Stafford County today is considered part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and many residents commute north on Interstate Highway 95, U.S. Route 1, and Virginia Railway Express.

In the early morning hours of May 9, 2008, a tornado touched down in the southern part of the county, severely damaging about 140 suburban homes.

 

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 280 square miles (725 kmē), of which, 270 square miles (700 kmē) of it is land and 10 square miles (25 kmē) of it (3.43%) is water. The Potomac River flows along part of the eastern border of the county, while the Rappahannock River runs along the extent of the county's southern border.

 

Postal Areas

  • 22405, 22406, 22554, 22555, 22556

 

Adjacent Counties and Independent City

Government and Politics

The county is divided into seven magisterial districts: George Washington, Hartwood, Falmouth, Griffis-Widewater, Aquia, Garrisonville, and Rockhill. The magisterial districts each elect one supervisor to the Board of Supervisors which governs Stafford County. The County operates under the county form of the County Executive system of government, with an elected Board of Supervisors. The Board then appoints a professional, nonpartisan County Executive to manage government agencies.

Stafford County is represented by Congressman Rob Wittman in the U.S. House of Representatives. Stafford is represented by William J. Howell in the Virginia House of Delegates. Delegate Bill Howell also serves as the Speaker of the House of Delegates.

 

Demographics

As of the census of 2005, there were 117,874 people, 38,237 households, and 24,481 families residing in the county. The population density was 342 people per square mile (132/kmē). There were 31,405 housing units at an average density of 116 per square mile (45/kmē).

 

Points of Interest

 

Chatham Manor

Transportation

 

 
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