Stafford County Unveiling Historical Marker for African American Heritage Trail at Stafford Hospital

Stafford, VA (February 19, 2025) – Stafford Hospital proudly commemorates local history with the unveiling of a new historical marker on its campus, recognizing the site of Walker's Inn as a significant stop on the newly launched Stafford African American Heritage Trail. The marker honors the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans in the region, preserving an important piece of Stafford’s past. As part of the 24-stop, self-guided digital driving tour, the marker connects visitors to 300 years of well-known and newly uncovered stories, offering an engaging and accessible way to explore the county’s history.

This initiative is part of Discover Stafford’s commitment to sharing the complete story of the county’s history. The Stafford African American Heritage Trail, developed with the assistance of the Walker family, University of Mary Washington’s (UMW) Department of Geography, historians and community elders, captures over three centuries of African American heritage in Stafford County.

"At Discover Stafford, our mission is to research, document, and share Stafford County's rich history through storytelling tied to specific locations. By honoring the labor, struggles, and contributions of those who came before us, we recognize the courage of Stafford’s Black community—both enslaved and free,” says Connie Hiker, President, Discover Stafford. “We also celebrate the resilience of entrepreneurs like the Walkers, who created spaces of joy in challenging times."

“This project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of many community organizations, including the Walker Family, Stafford Hospital, and Stafford County Board of Supervisors,” says Xavier Richardson, Mary Washington Healthcare’s Chief Development Officer and President of Mary Washington and Stafford Hospital Foundations. “It is our honor to bring this important piece of history to light and to celebrate the rich heritage of our community.”

“I extend my deepest gratitude to Discover Stafford, Stafford Hospital and the countless individuals and organizations who have assisted us in preserving this vital chapter of our history,” said Chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors Deuntay Diggs. “My hope is that our residents and visitors will see how the sacrifice, resilience and vision of the African American experience helped shape Stafford County and our nation.”

Stafford County and Stafford Hospital plan to host a reception in March to celebrate the Walker family, the launch of the digital trail, and the partnership of many community organizations. The Walker family plans to attend the event and have expressed their excitement about this recognition of their heritage. Their commitment to this endeavor underscores the importance of honoring local history and the contributions of African Americans in Stafford County.

To learn more about the Stafford African American Heritage Trail, visit DiscoverStafford.org.

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About Mary Washington Healthcare

Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional healthcare system that provides inpatient and outpatient care at over 80 facilities including Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed tertiary hospital, Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital, four emergency departments, and a multi-specialty graduate medical education program. Mary Washington Healthcare is a non-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to providing care regardless of ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit mwhc.com.