PRESS RELEASE: Historic Hunters Iron Works Site to be Acquired and Preserved by Newly Formed Freedom Forge Foundation

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29th, 2025

[Fredericksburg/Stafford, Virginia]

HISTORIC HUNTERS IRON WORKS SITE TO BE ACQUIRED AND PRESERVED BY NEWLY FORMED FREEDOM FORGE FOUNDATION

Today, the Freedom Forge Foundation (the Foundation) proudly announced that it is acquiring Hunter’s Iron Works, the site of an 18th-century iron and arms manufacturing facility in Stafford Va, that was key to the American victory in the Revolutionary War. Coinciding with May’s National Historic Preservation Month, the Foundation signed a Letter of Intent to acquire approximately 37 acres of the site from real estate developer Trammell Crow Company (TCC). This milestone highlights the Foundation’s dedication to honoring and revitalizing America's shared history, especially as Stafford County prepares for its VA250th commemorations emphasizing Hunter’s Iron Works essential role in forging our nation.

Built on the Rappahannock River in Stafford County, Hunter’s Iron Works and its arms-making subsidiary, the Rappahannock Forge, was arguably the largest combined iron and gun making facility in 18th Century North America. Hunter’s enterprises manufactured weapons, naval fittings, camp kits, and other critical military supplies that helped the Continental Troops defeat the British during the Revolutionary War.

The property is listed as Hunter’s Iron Works on the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Register of Historic Places. The riverfront is currently owned and maintained by the City of Fredericksburg. Apart from one residential building, the rest of the 37 acres is in a natural setting and includes archeological remains. The Freedom Forge Foundation intends to oversee an archeological survey and the placement of a conservation easement on the acquired site.

Foundation Board Members, Hunter Morin and Kathi Lynn Austin are both collateral descendants of James Hunter, the enterprising Scottish merchant who settled near the village of Falmouth and established Hunter’s Iron Works. Both have been at the forefront of making this preservation dream a reality, along with local historian Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor; local history preservationist, Charles McDaniel; Revolutionary War Collector and CEO of Howard Stirk Holdings Armstrong Williams; and Philanthropist Susan Morrison.

“James Hunter and Hunter’s Iron Works deserve a place in the Revolutionary War pantheon. Their legacy gave rise to what we now recognize as America’s defense industry,” said Kathi Lynn Austin, Freedom Forge Foundation Director. “James Hunter and the diverse labor force of Hunter’s Iron Works changed the course of our nation. There is no better way to honor their long-forgotten sacrifices than by stewarding this once-endangered site for the benefit of residents, scholars, visitors, and future generations alike.”

“TCC’s donation will aid the Freedom Forge Foundation in realizing the tourism, conservation, and economic benefits associated with an invaluable historic resource,” said Hunter Morin, Freedom Forge Foundation Board Member. “TCC’s donation dovetails with Stafford County’s Master Interpretive Plan for the Falmouth Historic District which recommended the addition of Hunter’s Iron Works as an historical asset.”

“Thanks go to property developer TCC for their agreement to donate this cultural landmark to the care of the Freedom Forge Foundation. Without their support, the Hunter’s Iron Works site would remain a lost national treasure,” said Freedom Forge Foundation Board Member Charles McDaniel.

“As an art collector and global traveler, I’ve come to understand that all we truly have of our past are the relics, artworks, and monuments left behind. They are witnesses to the cultures, stories, and lives that came before us,” said Armstrong Williams, Freedom Forge Foundation Board Member. “To remember these periods and to learn from them we must preserve what remains for posterity.”

“TCC recognizes the value of preserving Hunter’s Iron Works and is proud to support the Freedom Forge Foundation's mission to safeguard this irreplaceable landmark of American history for future generations,” said Rich McPhillips, Principal with TCC MidAtlantic.

The Freedom Forge Foundation was founded in February 2025 with the aim to preserve this and other historic sites, interpret their stories, and harness their lessons to empower future generations and leaders through civic outreach, educational programs, and public events. Inspired by Hunter's dedication to liberty and justice, we aim to connect citizens and communities both at home and abroad through collaboration, innovation, and initiatives that advance these ideals.

The Freedom Forge Foundation is organizing events honoring James Hunter and Hunter’s Iron Works during the VA250th Celebrations. These events allow Tour Stafford to highlight the pivotal role that its people and industries played in our Nation’s founding. The Freedom Forge Foundation and Stafford Tourism VA250 websites will regularly update program details.

For more information about the Freedom Forge Foundation, visit our webpage or email us at info@freedomforgefoundation.org.

Media Contacts:

Kathi Lynn Austin, Executive Director, kathi@freedomforgefoundation.org, 202-250-9595 

Benjamin Selimotic, Program Officer, info@freedomforgefoundation.org, 804-988-6093