Government Island - Stafford County Virginia Economic Development

America’s Historic
Stone Quarry
Government Island
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
191 Coal Landing Road
Stafford, Virginia 22554
Trace the roots of these famous buildings to the sandstone cliffs of Stafford, Virginia. Tour the site
where stone was hand-quarried for use in constructing the White House and the U.S. Capitol.
The Foundations of our Nation’s Capital
Pillars of American History
Originally occupied by American Indians, Government Island
was purchased by George Brent and became a sandstone quarry
in 1694. Known as “Brent‟s Island” for almost a century, its
stone was used throughout Colonial America for architectural
trim, foundations and
grave markers. George
Washington
and George
Mason were
two of the
quarry‟s most
prominent
clients.
This quarry‟s fine-grained stone, known as Aquia („uh kwhy
yah) sandstone or “freestone,” was a highly desirable building
material due to its white color, fine-grained quality, and the
ease with which it could be carved without splitting. The
quarry‟s location along Aquia Creek, a major tributary of the
Potomac River, was only a few hours by boat from the
nation‟s new capital. For these reasons, the Federal
government purchased the island in 1791 to supply stone for
prominent public buildings in
Washington, D.C.
When the
Federal
government
purchased the
island in
1791, the
historical term “Public Quarry” came in to use, and extensive
quantities of stone were used to construct, in particular, the
President‟s House (the White House) and the U.S. Capitol in
Washington, D.C. Today, this 17 acre park includes evidence
of the methods used to remove the stone that built our nation‟s
capital. Government Island is listed on the Virginia Landmarks
Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
The island was used periodically by
the Federal government between
1792-1825 but, most actively, from
1792-1800 when the White House
and the original portion of the U.S.
Capitol were constructed. After the
War in 1812, the quarry was again
the source of material used to
reconstruct damaged and destroyed
buildings in Washington. The
quarry was reopened for the last
time in 1825 to extract stone used to
make columns for the east side of
the U.S. Capitol. Public quarrying
operations ceased after the 1820‟s.
The Federal government's extensive This column capital shows
use of Government Island helped to the detailed carving of the
further develop quarrying as a major Aquia Sandstone.
industry in Stafford County during
the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. This and
several other Stafford quarries thrived, utilizing slave
laborers, free laborers, stone cutters, and blacksmiths. Though
the quarry sites have remained nearly untouched for over 200
years, the workers‟ pick marks remain forever carved in the
faces of the stone cliffs.
Stafford, Virginia
Government Island Trail
Hike the trail to and around the island. Trail markers along the footpath provide: a
detailed history of the site including the importance of water in its development;
explanations of how the stone was hand-quarried, moved and transported; and
examples of where this type of stone was used.
drawn by Captain John Smith, American Indians camped
along Aquia Creek, as well as the many tributaries of the
Potomac River. This location was an ideal spot to collect
stone for tools, gather plants, and hunt wild game. Today
these same wetlands and creeks are home to a wide
variety of plants and animals.
Aquia Church
Aquia sandstone was used
throughout Colonial America.
Examples can be found in the
surrounding area, notably in the
details of Aquia Church, built
between 1751 and 1757. This
Stafford National Historic
Landmark is open for tours,
available by appointment; call
(540) 659-4007 or visit
www.AquiaChurch.com
Potomac Connections
Directions
Aquia Church, built 1751-1757
In 2006 the trail on Government Island, along with the
planned Aquia Creek Water Trail and the Historic FalmouthFerry Farm Trail, were designated segments of the Potomac
Heritage National Scenic Trail. An enterprise of many partners, the evolving Trail network celebrates the heritage of the
Potomac and upper Ohio river basins, and offers opportunities
for hiking, bicycling, boating, horseback riding and crosscountry skiing. The trail, story of Government Island, and the
views from Aquia Creek complement other features of the
Trail network.
A Long History of Use
Archaeological study of the area has revealed evidence of
habitation dating to the Paleo-Indian Period (prior to 8000
BCE), as well as the Archaic (8000 BCE - 1200 CE) and the
Woodland (1200 - 1600 CE) periods. As viewed on maps
Government Island is located at 191 Coal Landing
Road, Stafford, VA, and 30 miles south of the Washington D.C. beltway. From I-95, use exit 143-A (Aquia);
turn right on Route 1 South, and go approximately two
(2) miles; turn left on Coal Landing Road, drive approximately one (1) mile; look for parking area on left/north.
More Information
To learn about Government Island, read Birthstone of
the White House and Capitol by Jane Conner, call
Stafford Tourism (540) 658-8681 or visit
www.TourStaffordVa.com
To volunteer at the park, contact Stafford County Parks
and Recreation: (540) 658-4871 or visit
www.StaffordParks.com
For information about the Potomac Heritage National
Scenic Trail network, contact the
National Park Service; www.nps.gov/pohe.
Stafford, Virginia