Falmouth in Stafford County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Cow Barn, 1921
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, April 29, 2025
1. Cow Barn, 1921 Marker
The centerpiece of Gari and Corinne Melchers' modest farm was their dairy operation. The cow barn ahead was built to accommodate the couple's small herd of Guernsey cows. Second story doors open to the hayloft and a sweep-out hatch is on the opposite wall. White-wash was applied to the barn interior to keep disease in check. The Louden Machinery Company cow pen survives, and the milking stanchions have been accurately rebuilt. Also rebuilt is the run-in shed in the exact location of the original, directly adjoining the barn and fenced barnyard. Belmont's livestock grazed several acres of pasture and followed a woodland path down to the riverbank and back.
Lady Corinne, Dairy, and Cherry Blossom were some of the animals acquired or calved here at Belmont in the 1920s. Dairy cows in this era were typically milked twice a day for a total of approximately four to six gallons of raw milk. Clotted cream and ice cream were favorite treats of Gari and Corinne Melchers and their guests. Belmont's cows also provided enough fresh milk to be sold at market, and some was allotted to needy families through the Stafford County Health
this page online
Erected by Gari Melchers Home and Studio.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.
Location. 38° 19.464′ N, 77° 28.397′ W. Marker is in Falmouth, Virginia, in Stafford County. It can be reached from Washington Street 0.1 miles south of Warrenton Road (Business U.S. 17), on the right when traveling south. Marker is on the ground of Gari Melchers Home and Studio (Belmont), operated as a museum by the University of Mary Washington. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 228 Washington Street, Fredericksburg VA 22405, 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, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, April 29, 2025
2. Cow Barn
Referenced by the marker.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Working Farm (a few steps from this marker); Hard Hand of War (a few steps from this marker); Gari Melchers and his wife Corinne (a few steps from this marker); Caretaker Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); Preserving Meat (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome To Our Trails (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Belmont's Horseshoe Staircase (about 300 feet away); A Family Memorial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Falmouth.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 10, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
