When the Union soldiers arrived Stafford County in 1862 more than 10,000 slaves from Fredericksburg and the surrounding area saw their chance to escape, starting on the Trail to Freedom.
Many crossed the Rappahannock River, near where the Port of Falmouth Park sits today, and that’s where county leaders and historians on Saturday dedicated two new plaques that tell the story of the slaves’ run to freedom.
The ceremony focused on 24-year-old John Washington, who in 1862 heard the music of the Union camps on the Stafford side of the river, and then crossed it and made his escape from slavery. Now residents can read his story printed on plaques at both the Port of Falmouth Park and across the river in Fredericksburg.
“Many slaves from Fauquier, King George and other surrounding areas crossed the river to find their way to freedom, said Jane Conner, with the Stafford County Historical Society. “Near here, at Aquia Landing on the Potomac, is what really was the gateway to freedom.”
You can learn more about the trail at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center on Caroline Street. Raising awareness about the trail is a joint project between Stafford County, Fredericksburg and the National Park Service.
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We are honored to have the Honorable Andrea O. Bailey of the Potomac District, along with the esteemed leadership of Prince William County, hosting our 4th Annual 5K Walk for Mental Health Awareness. This event is a testament to their commitment to educate, advocate for, and dispel myths and stigma surrounding mental illness.
Dust off your running or walking shoes, bring your pets, and move with us in this county-wide FREE event in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month on Saturday, May 18th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This year’s theme is Movement: Moving for Your Mental Health.
We will walk along a scenic multi-purpose trail in a wooded setting with sufficient signage to meet the needs of the walkers at Locust Shade Park, 4701 Locust Shade Drive, Triangle, Virginia 22192.
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