October 23, 2025

Today, the Town of Dumfries received the ceremonial key to the Campbell Property from the Campbell family—officially unlocking the door to our waterfront’s future.

For the first time in over 50 years, our community will reconnect with Quantico Creek, the waterway that built Dumfries.

This moment is the result of decades of community advocacy from residents who refused to let the waterfront stay forgotten. From the Friends of Quantico Creek to the residents who showed up year after year—this victory belongs to you.

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What This Key Opens

This key represents more than land. It represents new possibilities for everyone who calls Dumfries home.

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Protecting Our Environment

We’ll restore 7–10 acres of wetlands to reduce flooding, clean stormwater, and rebuild the natural shoreline along Quantico Creek.

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Improving Emergency Response

The project will create the first small boat launch for emergency rescue between Dumfries and Occoquan—improving safety during storms and floods.

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Creating Jobs and Local Business Space

The Dumfries Waterfront District will include areas for workforce training, entrepreneurship, and small businesses, helping local residents find and build careers right here at home.

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Public Access to the Waterfront

For the first time in five decades, families will be able to fish, kayak, and explore along the waterfront—something many residents have never experienced in their lifetime.

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Honoring Our Shared History

The district will celebrate the Indigenous peoples, African Americans, and maritime communities that shaped Dumfries’ story and made this town matter in Virginia’s early history.

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Honoring Herb Campbell’s Dream

In 2018, Mr. Herb Campbell shared his vision for this land: a boardwalk, a museum, and clean water that would reconnect Dumfries to its roots.

Herb didn’t live to see this day, but his family stood with us to make sure his dream came true.

“When dreamers pass the torch, communities carry it home.”

His family’s partnership—and the community’s persistence—made this key exchange possible.

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What Happens Next

We’re beginning the Small Area Plan for the Dumfries Waterfront District.

This plan will guide what gets built, when, and how. And it will be led by the people — your voice will shape every decision.

Projected Timeline (If Community Support Continues):

• 2026–2027: Environmental cleanup, wetland restoration, and shoreline stabilization
• 2027–2028: Construction of the emergency launch and public access improvements
• 2028–2029: Economic development, small business space, and cultural programs

We’ll hold community meetings, planning sessions, and public workshops so residents can stay informed and involved.

This is your waterfront — your input will shape its future.

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Thank You to Our Partners

This milestone would not be possible without strong partnerships and steady leadership across all levels of government.

Special thanks to:

• The Campbell family, for trusting us with your legacy
• Chairman Luke Torian, for years of state-level support for Quantico Creek
• Congressman Gerry Connolly and Senator Mark Warner, for connecting us to federal resources
• Prince William County and Supervisor Andrea Bailey, for regional coordination
• The EPA, for awarding Dumfries a $1 million Brownfield Grant, the largest in our town’s history, to assess and clean this site
• The Friends of Quantico Creek—especially Yolanda Green, Eileen Thrall, and all the residents who worked to protect our waterways for decades

This key belongs to you. It always has.