September 22, 2025

Today, Dumfries reached a milestone that will shape our future for generations. We finalized the Campbell property acquisition — 161 acres that will become the foundation for our new Dumfries Waterfront District.

For me, this is more than a land purchase. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reclaim our roots as the historic town of Dumfries, Virginia’s oldest chartered town. Our story began on the waterfront, but over time, that connection faded. With this step forward, we’re not just expanding our footprint — we’re rediscovering the place where Dumfries first began.

I imagine families walking along new trails that connect to the water. I see children growing up in thoughtfully planned neighborhoods. I see businesses bringing jobs and opportunities that strengthen our local economy. And I see cultural and recreational spaces that make Dumfries not just a town you pass through, but a destination worth driving to.

At the same time, this is about balance. Much of the Campbell property will remain protected wetlands and open space. This commitment to environmental stewardship ensures that growth is responsible, sustainable, and respectful of the land we’ve been entrusted with.

This acquisition also supports Destination Dumfries Vision 2044 — our community’s roadmap to becoming a vibrant, connected, and resilient town. Housing, jobs, culture, recreation, and preservation will all be part of how this land transforms.

But the most exciting part? This is just the beginning. In the coming months, we’ll launch a planning process that invites residents, businesses, and partners to help shape the future of the waterfront. I want every voice at the table as we decide how to write this next chapter.

I’ve always believed Dumfries could go from overlooked to unforgettable. This historic purchase proves that belief was right — and it shows what happens when a community chooses to honor its past while boldly building its future.

This is more than an acquisition. This is a legacy. And together, we’re building a new Waterfront Era for Dumfries.

— Mayor Derrick R. Wood