August 8, 2026

Author: Mayor Derrick R. Wood

There are moments when history feels distant—and there are moments when you realize you are standing exactly where history happened.

On August 8, 2026, I had the honor of welcoming residents, visitors, historians, preservationists, and regional leaders to Dumfries for the dedication of the Prince William County American Revolution Memorial at historic Williams Ordinary.

For Dumfries, this occasion carried special meaning.

Our community was established in 1749, decades before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. When we talk about the American Revolution here, we aren't simply talking about events that happened somewhere else.

Dumfries is part of the American story.

Telling a Fuller American Story

One of the most important aspects of the new memorial is its effort to recognize the broad range of people whose lives and actions shaped Prince William County during the Revolutionary era.

That history includes men and women, Black and white, free and enslaved.

Preserving those stories matters because understanding our history requires us to tell it as fully as possible—including the experiences and contributions of people and communities that have not always received equal attention in traditional accounts of America's founding.

As our nation commemorates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, we have an opportunity not only to celebrate American history, but also to deepen our understanding of the people and places that created it.

History Can Help Build Dumfries' Future

Historic preservation is not simply about looking backward.

I believe our history can become an important part of Dumfries' future.

Williams Ordinary, historic Batestown, the Dumfries Slave Cemetery, our connection to Quantico Creek and the former port, and other historic places throughout our community collectively tell a remarkable story.

When those assets are preserved, connected, and interpreted well, they can educate future generations while also strengthening cultural tourism and creating more reasons for people to visit Dumfries.

That fits directly into the vision of Destination Dumfries: becoming a community people intentionally drive to, not simply drive through.

Imagine visitors coming to Dumfries not for a single historic marker, but for an experience—a connected journey through nearly three centuries of American, African American, maritime, and local history.

That creates an opportunity to preserve our identity while generating activity that can support local businesses, restaurants, entrepreneurs, and future community investment.

Preserving the Past While Building the Future

The dedication of the American Revolution Memorial represents what can happen when government, preservation organizations, historians, and community partners work together.

I am grateful to Prince William County, its historic preservation professionals, the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the many individuals and organizations whose work helped make this memorial possible.

Their investment has created something that will remain long after the ribbon-cutting ceremony is over.

As I shared during the dedication:

“Our history is not something we leave behind us. Our history is one of the assets that will help build our future.”

Dumfries has spent generations contributing to the American story.

Now we have an opportunity to make sure that story is preserved, experienced, and passed forward.

Our history is worth preserving. Our story is worth telling. And Dumfries is worth experiencing.