Near Dale City in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Neabsco Mills Ironworks

Photographed by Kevin White, August 15, 2007

1. Neabsco Mills Ironworks Marker

Inscription. The Neabsco Mills Ironworks complex, under the ownership of three generations of the Tayloe family, of Richmond County, operated between 1737 and 1828. Located near this site, it was one of the longest continually operating ironworks in present-day Northern Virginia. The 3,000-acre iron plantation, which was worked by resident free laborers, indentured servants, and slaves, was a multifaceted operation. The workers produced not only pig and bar iron for sale at home and export to Great Britain, but also engaged in shipbuilding, milling, leatherworking, shoemaking, and farming. The complex was an important supplier of iron for weaponry during the American Revolution and War of 1812.

Erected 1994 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number G-18.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • War of 1812 • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1737.

Location. 38° 37.167′ N, 77° 17.912′ W. Marker is near Dale

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

City, Virginia, in Prince William County. It is on Southbound Rest Area (Interstate 95 at milepost 156), on the right. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dumfries VA 22026, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the Piedmont.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dumfries Rest Area (a few steps from this marker); Like to Eat? (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Like to Eat? (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Freedom High School Sundial Memorial (approx. half a mile away); The Courageous Four

Photographed by Craig Swain, November 22, 2008

2. Neabsco Mills Ironworks Marker

Located in the southbound rest area.

(approx. 0.6 miles away); Potomac Path (approx. 0.8 miles away); Passing Blackburn House (approx. 0.9 miles away); Neabsco Iron Works (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dale City.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Events Along Neabsco Creek (was approx. ¾ mile away but has been confirmed missing).

Regarding Neabsco Mills Ironworks. The Ironworks mentioned on this marker are also referenced in nearby markers, “Events Along Neabsco Creek”, “Leesylvania”, and “Neabsco Iron Works.”

Although no orignal structures remain, you can still see the old mill race (water channel) for the foundry and other evidence of the complex. Pictures 2 and 3 show a hole dug for a building’s foundation along Neabsco Creek.

Also see . . .
1. Neabsco Iron Works Geocache. For those of you who enjoy a good hike and have a GPS, this link will give you the coordinates of a two stage geocache located on the site of the Neabsco Iron Works. You may have to register with www.geocaching.com in order to view the information. (Submitted on August 17, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

2. Additional Pictures of Neabsco Iron works.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, March 31, 2025

3. Neabsco Mills Ironworks Marker

(Submitted on June 15, 2011, by Michael Veax of Fredericksburg, Virginia.)
3. Additional Information on Neabsco Iron Works. (Submitted on June 15, 2011, by Michael Veax of Fredericksburg, Virginia.)

Looking down on some remains of Neabsco Iron Works image. Click for full size.

December 26, 2004

4. Looking down on some remains of Neabsco Iron Works

Site is south of the rest area. Picture is taken from the southeast corner, looking northwest. Neabsco Creek is in the background.

Iron and Water don't mix. image. Click for full size.

March 9, 2002

5. Iron and Water don't mix.

Rusty water in the remains of Neabsco Iron Works.

Rest Stop Dedication image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, November 22, 2008

6. Rest Stop Dedication

A few paces from the marker is this dedication stone reading:
Dumfries Rest Area
Dedicated May 11, 1963
by
Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson
Plaque presented by
Virginia Travel Council

Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,649 times since then and 77 times this year. Last updated on October 3, 2023, by N. Jozsa of Woodbridge, Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on August 16, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on November 29, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on April 16, 2025, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4, 5. submitted on August 16, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 6. submitted on November 29, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.