Montclair in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Williams Ordinary

Photographed by Kevin W., January 16, 2008

1. Williams Ordinary Marker

Inscription. Built in the form of an eighteenth century mansion, neither a construction date nor a builder for the Ordinary is known. It has been suggested that it was built around 1765 by James Wren because of the many stylistic parallels between it and the Christ Church in Alexandria, one of Wren’s best-known works. During colonial times, the Ordinary was known as Williams Ordinary. Over the years it was also known as Love’s Tavern and the Stage Coach Inn. During the Civil War, the building was used as a Confederate Headquarters during the blockade of Washington, D.C. along the Potomac River. Today it is a private residence.

Erected by Fortuna Center Plaza Merchants.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1765.

Location. 38° 35.818′ N, 77° 19.963′ W. Marker is in Montclair, Virginia, in Prince William County. It is on Fortuna Center Plaza near Dumfries Road (Virginia Route 234), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4222 Fortuna Center Plaza, Dumfries VA 22025, 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: Weems Botts Museum (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine

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(about 500 feet away); Potomac Path (about 500 feet away); Rippon Lodge (about 500 feet away); Troop Movements and Camp (approx. half a mile away); “Camp Fisher” Civil War Campsite (approx. 0.6 miles away); Alexander Henderson (approx. one mile away); Little Union Baptist Church (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montclair.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Williams Ordinary is blessed with two interpretive markers, and this link will help you find them.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 5, 2014

2. Williams Ordinary Marker

Photographed by Kevin W.

3. Williams Ordinary Marker

Williams Ordinary image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, August 13, 2011

4. Williams Ordinary

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, August 13, 2011

5. Williams Ordinary

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 1, 2011

6. Williams Ordinary

Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,959 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on September 30, 2025, by N. Jozsa of Woodbridge, Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on February 12, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on October 5, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3. submitted on February 12, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on October 4, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6. submitted on October 5, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.