Honoring Legacy: Discover Stafford’s African American Heritage Trail

As we commemorate Black History Month this February, Stafford County proudly unveils the Stafford African American Heritage Trail—a testament to the resilience, strength, and enduring legacy of the African American community over the past 300 years. This trail features over 20 significant locations, each narrating stories that have shaped our county’s rich history.

Highlights of the Stafford African American Heritage Trail:

Moncure Conway House: Once the home of abolitionist Moncure Conway, who courageously led enslaved individuals to freedom.

Chatham Manor: A plantation where enslaved people resisted oppression and sought freedom during the Civil War.

Aquia Landing: A vital escape route where Henry “Box” Brown famously mailed himself to freedom.

Rowser Building: Formerly an all-Black high school, now a symbol of progress and education in Stafford.

Historic Port of Falmouth: A significant site where more than 10,000 enslaved individuals embarked on their journey to freedom during the Civil War.

These sites, among others on the trail, offer profound insights into the African American experience in Stafford County. They highlight the community’s unwavering pursuit of freedom, education, and equality.

Some of The Stafford Stories

Walkers Inn:

A lively hub for Stafford’s African American community. Built in 1942 by Andrew Walker and Rosie Tyler, the inn hosted music legends like Dinah Washington and B.B. King, served Rosie’s famous home-cooked meals, and was home to the Stafford All Stars baseball team. Later, the inn’s baseball diamond transformed into a racecourse, continuing its legacy as a gathering place for celebration and entertainment.

Widewater Volunteer Fire and Rescue:

Elnora Allen Pondexter, who championed civil rights and community service in Widewater. Alongside her husband Percy, she served in the Widewater Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad and led the local NAACP for 16 years, spearheading voter registration and food drives. Elnora’s dedication extended to Oak Grove Baptist Church, where she held multiple leadership roles, leaving a lasting legacy of service and empowerment.

Anthony burns:

A fugitive from slavery who became a symbol of the abolitionist movement. Enslaved and leased to operate a sawmill at Hartwood Manor, Burns endured harsh conditions before escaping to Boston in 1854. Captured under the Fugitive Slave Act, his forced return to Virginia sparked national outrage, leading Northern abolitionists to secure his freedom. His story, marked by suffering and courage, continues to inspire.

Henry Box Brown:

who escaped slavery by mailing himself in a small wooden box through Aquia in 1849. Enduring 27 hours upside down during a 350-mile journey to Philadelphia, his daring self-emancipation became a symbol of ingenuity and courage in the fight for freedom.

We invite residents and visitors alike to explore the Stafford African American Heritage Trail. By walking in the footsteps of those who came before us, we honor their legacy and ensure that their stories continue to inspire future generations.

For more information on the trail visit the African America Heritage Trail site.