Land of Herrings and Persimmons

From Stafford’s earliest years Potomac Run has formed the dividing line between the county’s upper and lower districts. For tax and administrative purposes, land south of the run became known as District 1 and land north of the run as District 2. For the sake of organization the author has, for the most part, arranged the research for this book in the same manner. The pages herein record the places and people that made old Stafford County unique. Each article in this volume is a compilation of information from primary sources and generous people who lovingly helped bring Stafford’s wonderful history to light. In tracking the history of a particular property, the author attempted to follow the house and the parcel on which it stood. Whenever possible, biographical information about the owners/occupants of these tracts is included in the text. By adding diaries, letters, personal recollections, and oral history, the surviving public records have been enhanced to make Stafford’s old residents not just names and dates on a page, but flesh and blood human beings who lived, loved, dreamed, suffered, and died here. At the end of each article is a bibliography of materials used in the research of that particular topic. Photographs, maps, and an index to full-names, places and subjects add to the value of this work.