Falmouth in Stafford County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Hunter’s Iron Works

Photographed By Kevin W., September 26, 2007

1. Hunter's Iron Works Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Located south of here on the Rappahannock River, stood Hunter’s Iron Works, founded by James Hunter and was in operation by the 1750s. With the outbreak of the American Revolution, the Rappahannock Forge there supplied the Continental army and navy with muskets, swords, and other armaments and camp implements. Due to its wartime significance, Gov. Thomas Jefferson ordered special military protection for the complex. The ironworks contained a blast furnace, forge, slitting, merchant, and other mills, nailery, coopers’, carpenters’, and wheelwright shops and houses for the managers and workmen. Some of the buildings may have been used for other purposes into the 19th century: none survive today.

Erected 2002 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number E-116.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series list.

Location.

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38° 20.23′ N, 77° 29.135′ W. Marker is in Falmouth, Virginia, in Stafford County. Marker is at the intersection of Warrenton Road (U.S. 17) and Olde Forge Drive, on the right when traveling east on Warrenton Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fredericksburg VA 22405, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Falmouth (approx. 0.4 miles away); Water Supply Methods (approx. one mile away); A Family Memorial (approx. one mile away); Welcome To Our Trails (approx. 1.1 miles away); A Working Farm (approx. 1.1 miles away); Gari Melchers and his wife Corinne (approx. 1.1 miles away); Caretaker Cottage (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Rappahannock River Runs Free Once More (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Falmouth.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. A marker at James Hunter's Grave

Additional commentary.
1. James Hunter is buried at Falmouth Union Church Cemetery, in Falmouth, Va.
James Hunter was the owner and operator of the Hunter Iron Works at Falmouth, which provided the overwhelming majority of muskets and iron cooking implements for the Virginia troops in the Revolutionary War. He produced: muskets, rifles, bayonets, swords, pistols, and large-bore

Photographed By Kevin W., September 26, 2007

2. Hunter's Iron Works Marker

Photograph taken from the North side of Route 17.

wall guns. For the Virginia Navy he produced: anchors and ship fittings. He outfitted the Virginia troops who played a vital role in the Battle of Cowpens, and also those who were at Yorktown. Hunter’s Iron Works were so valuable that Governor Thomas Jefferson ordered special military protection for the industry. Hunter was never adequately paid for his services and he suffered serious financial setbacks as a result. James Hunter sacrificed his fortune for the cause of independence and is considered a true patriot.
http://www.cmmsar.com/graves.html

— Submitted September 26, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,250 times since then and 330 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Remains of the Colonial-era dam and millrace that were uncovered after this marker was placed • Can you help?