Dumfries in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
History of Dumfries
Photographed by Jeremy Prats, September 9, 2006
1. History of Dumfries Marker
Dumfries, first settled in the early 18th century, became in 1749 the first town in Prince William County chartered by the House of Burgesses. It soon grew in wealth and importance as a major port, rivaling Alexandria, Baltimore, and New York in tonnage shipped. The town's status as a center for the sale and shipment of tobacco despite its inland location on a creek, reached its peak in the 1760's. In 1762 the county court moved to Dumfries, where it remained for 60 years. Ironically, the soil erosion caused by tobacco farming resulted in the silting up of Quantico Creek. The prosperity and population of Dumfries declined and the court moved to Brentsville in 1822.
Erected 1993 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number E-83.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1749.
Location. 38° 33.983′ N, 77° 19.464′ W. Marker is in Dumfries, Virginia, in Prince William County. It is on Frayley Boulevard (U.S. 1) north of Williamstown Drive, on the right when
this page online
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 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dumfries Raid (a few steps from this marker); Revolutionary War Campaign of 1781 (a few steps from this marker); Graham Park (a few steps from this marker); Dumfries - Loves Tavern (approx. 0.2 miles away); Prince William Resolves (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dumfries.
Other markers no longer nearby. Colonial Dumfries - Williams Ordinary (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing); History at Dumfries (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Dumfries, Virginia. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on September 13, 2006.)
Photographed by Jeremy Prats, September 9, 2006
2. History of Dumfries Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2006, by Jeremy Prats of Afton, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,685 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 10, 2006, by Jeremy Prats of Afton, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
