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. Our 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 than100,000 troops, drawn by the county's proximity to the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad to Aquia Creek, occupied Stafford for several years.

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 new regional airport opened in 2001, which provides new opportunities for business development.