Fairfax, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Ford Building
Built c. 1835
— Old Town Fairfax —
March 18, 2008
1. Ford Building Marker
This was the home of Antonia Ford, imprisoned as a spy following Ranger Mosby's night capture of the local Union commander, Brig. Gen. Edwin H. Stoughton, March 9, 1863. A search of the house had revealed an honorary aide-de-camp commission to Antonia from Gen. Jeb Stuart.Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Women. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Old Town Fairfax series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 9, 1849.
Location. 38° 50.805′ N, 77° 18.378′ W. Marker is in Fairfax, Virginia. Marker is on Chain Bridge Road (Virginia Route 123), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3977 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax VA 22030, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Efe Quality House (within shouting distance of this marker); Moore House (within shouting distance of this marker); Ralston's Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Nickell's Hardware (within shouting distance of this marker); Fairfax Hay & Grain Store
this page online
Also see . . .
1. "General Stuart's New Aid." A cartoon from the April 4, 1863 edition of Harper's Weekly. (Submitted on February 13, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia.)
2. Antonia Ford. Encyclopedia of Virginia. (Submitted on June 7, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
Additional commentary.
1. A Civil War Romance
Lafayette Baker had Antonia Ford arrested for espionage and thrown into the Old Capital Prison twice. Major Joseph C. Willard, co-founder with his brother Henry of the Willard Hotel in DC, and aide to Union General Irwin McDowell transferred to the Capital Prison, worked to free Antonia, and administered the oath of allegiance to her on her second release. He resigned his commission, divorced his wife, Caroline and married Antonia in 1864.
March 18, 2008
2. Ford House
July 25, 2009
3. Plaque located at front entrance
Confederate Heroine
Presented by
Fairfax Chapter
United Daughters of
The Confederacy
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 31, 2014
4. Ford Building Sign
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 31, 2014
5. Ford Building Sign
Photographed By Wikipedia
6. Antonia Ford Willard
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, September 15, 2013
7. Willard Monument
Oak Hill Cemetery DC
Oak Hill Cemetery DC
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, September 15, 2013
8. Inscription on Willard Monument
Daughter of
E.R. & Julia F. Ford
Of Virginia
Devoted wife of
Joseph C. Willard
of Washington D. C.
Born July 23,1838
Died Feb 14, 1871
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, September 15, 2013
9. Grave of Antonia Ford Willard
Oak Hill Cemetery
Oak Hill Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 18, 2008. This page has been viewed 2,538 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 18, 2008. 3. submitted on October 15, 2009. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on June 7, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
