Island’s Rich History Preserved in Stafford

Photo provided by Jane Conner

Knowing and valuing history is a precious character trait for any individual. When the individual takes actions that result in preserving a piece of history many can then know and value that history.

That would, in part, describe Jane Conner, of Stafford County. Jane knows her history enough that she wrote three books detailing some of that knowledge. Her book about Government Island is titled Birthstone of the White House and Capitol.

“Stafford County, Virginia is probably one of the most historic counties in the state. In 1608, Captain John Smith visited its shores. The county was the boyhood home of George Washington, as he lived here from the age of six until the age of 22,” Jane says. “During the Civil War, 135,000 Union soldiers came to Stafford. Clara Barton and Walt Whitman spent much time with the troops. Lincoln visited Stafford six different times, for a total of fourteen days. During that time, he saw the largest cavalry review in the world and reviewed over 60,000 men in a single day.”

In 1978, Jane’s family moved from California to Virginia. They decided to build a home in a residential community called Aquia Harbour. She recalls how she came to know Government Island while sailing around the area with her family.

“During our adventures, I would see an island close to the shore. I asked an old-timer about the island. He said the stone was quarried there that made the U.S. Capitol and White House.”

Being intrigued, Jane discovered a way to get up on the island which involved wearing tall waterproof boots and throwing down logs creating bridges from outcroppings of land to more outcroppings, until she finally reached the island. “I was immediately shocked to see pick marks upon the stone created by enslaved people, locals, and European artisans centuries before,” Jane recalls.

In writing her book about the island, Jane had a simple wish – “to save the history of this remarkable historic treasure.”

“In 1791, it was decided that a Federal City would have to be created for America’s new nation. Under George Washington's guidance, Pierre L'Enfant was chosen to design the city,” Jane explains. “It is thought that Washington suggested using stone from a nearby island.”

The island, she adds, was made up of Aquia sandstone. The stone was also called Aquia freestone. It was called that since it could be freely carved in any direction without breaking. Having just had the Revolutionary War, Washington did not want to depend upon using European stone. 

“Therefore, later that year the quarrying began,” Jane says. “Both the White House and Capitol used stone from Stafford’s island.”

Fast forward to 1979, and, according to Jane, plans were underway to dynamite the island to make way for luxury homes. “A paper I wrote showing its historical significance, along with talking, throughout 19 years, with wealthy business owners, the Conservation Fund members, and even the curator of the White House, stopped its destruction,” she recalls.

Saving the island became important because of its historical significance in creating two of the country’s most historical buildings, Jane adds.

“I even had two busloads of people from the White House and Capitol visit the island to see for themselves its significance,” she says. “In 1998, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors purchased the island, so the island was finally saved. Working with the late Congresswoman, Jo Ann Davis, I appeared before Congress requesting national recognition of Government Island. In 2002, the island received federal recognition as a ‘historical site.’ Nothing can ever be built upon it, nor can it be destroyed.”  

In 2010, Government Island opened as a park. A walking path and boardwalk lead to this nationally significant site. A natural hiking trail is on the island with interpretive signs depicting its rich history.

Jane remains involved in keeping the history of the island alive. “Today, I give PowerPoint presentations about Government Island throughout Virginia. I’m a very proud resident of Stafford County and its amazing history,” she says.

The island’s natural beauty also reminds Jane how important it was to save it. “Regardless of the time of year, the walk to the island on the boardwalk is amazing. You get to observe gorgeous wildlife and hear the melodious sounds of birds,” she says.  

“I love the island, as people from all over America and foreign countries visit this historic site. County officials have determined that each day approximately 100 people tour the island.  It was definitely worth the fight.”