Marine Corps Base Quantico in Stafford County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Nolan H. Gray Reservoir
Photographed by Kevin W., September 9, 2007
1. Nolan H. Gray Reservoir Marker
Dedicated to the Memory of
Nolan H. Gray
Gunnery Sergeant
U. S. Marine Corps
19 July 1941 7 February 1968
Twice Deputy Game Warden, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia. He was active in all phases of conservation and wildlife management.
He lost his life while in the performance of his duties at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia on 7 February 1968.
Erected 1968.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Natural Resources. A significant historical date for this entry is February 7, 1968.
Location. 38° 31.616′ N, 77° 22.858′ W. Marker is in Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, in Stafford County. It can be reached from Breckenridge Road. Marker is located along a gravel road accessed at the intersection of Interstate 95 and Russell Road (Exit 148). This gravel road crosses Chopawamsic Creek at two improved locations prior to reaching the marker. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Quantico VA 22134, 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Prince William County / Stafford County (approx. 1.2 miles away); Fourth Marine Division Association Memorial
this page online
Regarding Nolan H. Gray Reservoir. This is a 1.8 acre reservoir located approximately 1.5 miles below Breckinridge Reservoir and is fed by Chopawamsic Creek. The reservoir has a concrete dam and a spillway at the southern end, and was formerly used as a holding pond for the Base water supply. The reservoir capacity is greatly reduced and water depth only averages about two feet due to sediment deposits.
A handicapped accessible fishing dock is available along the shoreline to provide accessible trout fishing. It is about one kilometer west of the junction of Russell Road and I-95.
Additional commentary.
1. In honor of Gunnery Sergeant Nolan H. Gray, USMC
The reservoir is named for Gunnery Sergeant Nolan H. Gray, United States Marine Corps. On 7 February 1968,
Photographed by Kevin W., September 9, 2007
2. Nolan H. Gray Reservoir Marker
At the time of his death, GySgt Gray had served 8 ½ years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Prior to his second tour as Deputy Game Warden, he participated as an Infantry Unit Leader in Operations against the Viet Cong, Republic of Vietnam, for which he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device.
Prior to renaming in his honor, the "water holding facility" was commonly referred to as the "holding dam". It was then, and still remains, a popular fishing area. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted October 2, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
2. Closure
Sir: As a family member I would like to know why [this web site page] was created. My family was not apprised of the creation of said site. We found out about the site by chance. There was much controversy in the wake of my brothers death. I have always believed my brothers death was one which was encompassed with a deep mystery behind it. My query is not to be critical but to try to understand the reason for
Photographed by Kevin W., September 9, 2007
3. Nolan H. Gray Reservoir
To fish here, you need both Virginia and MCB, Quantico fishing licenses.
— Submitted September 27, 2007, by John Paul Gray of Culloden, West Virginia.
3. RE: Closure
Thank you very much for your note and kind words about this page. In 1968 a number of people, now unknown, thought enough of Gunnery Sergeant Gray to place his name on this brass plaque. Our web site database was designed to inventory and catalog all historical markers so that they may have an audience wider than just people who stumble across markers like this while walking in the woods. Thanks to Kevin W. from Stafford, this marker can be read by anyone in the world on the Internet.
If you have a photo of Gunnery Sergeant Nolan H. Gray on your computer that you would like to add to this page, and any other information, I would be honored to publish it.
— Submitted September 27, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
4. Daughter of John Morrissey, Nolan Grays Best Friend
Ive come across some pictures since my parents have passed that include Nolan Grays son at my parents home dated 1/15/1967.
Photographed by Kevin W., September 9, 2007
4. Survey Marker near the Nolan H. Gray Reservoir Marker
This survey marker can be seen in picture 2, to the left of the Reservoir Marker.
— Submitted April 4, 2020, by Janet Morrissey of Smithsburg, Maryland.
5.
I hope to make it to the reservoir one day. Uncle Nolan is a man I never had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you all for honoring him!
— Submitted July 19, 2020, by Cathy L. Gray of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,738 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on September 27, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 13, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
