Public Quarry at Government Island

The Public Quarry at Government Island is a former sandstone extraction site covering roughly 17 acres with five distinct quarry areas where Aquia Creek sandstone formations are still visible. The site displays rock faces and extraction marks that show the scale and methods of historical stone mining.

George Washington ordered the purchase of this site in 1791 to supply building stone for the new federal capital under construction. Stone extraction continued for decades to provide materials for the nation's most important buildings in Washington.

The sandstone extracted here was used to build important federal structures like the Capitol and the White House, connecting this place to the nation's founding era. Visitors walking through the site can sense this direct link between the quarry and the buildings that shaped American history.

The site offers about 1.5 miles of walking trails with elevated wooden boardwalks crossing wetland areas, and some sections have wheelchair access. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven and slippery when wet, especially near the older quarry areas.

The rock faces still show chisel marks and scratches from quarry work, and some stones bear the carved initials of Robert Steuart, who owned a portion of the property long ago. These personal marks let visitors connect directly with the hands that shaped these stones over 200 years ago.

Location: Virginia

Website: https://tourstaffordva.com/things-to-do/details/government-island

GPS coordinates: 38.44830,-77.38330

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:04