Revolution on the Rappahannock

Hunter's Iron Works and American Independence

October 10-11, 2026 | Falmouth, VA

The Freedom Forge Foundation invites you to a
Stafford VA250 Commemoration Event!

Revolution on the Rappahannock: Hunter's Iron Works and American Independence, will be held on October 10-11, 2026 in Falmouth, Virginia.

This Stafford VA250 Commemoration Event features James Hunter, the hero behind Hunter’s Iron Works and the Rappahannock Forge, both historically located on the Rappahannock River near Falmouth.

During the American Revolution, this site was the "greatest Iron Works on the Continent," producing muskets and tools essential to George Washington’s victory. Despite its vital role, this military-industrial hub is often overlooked in history books. We are about to change that through our preservation efforts and by commemorating its contribution during America’s 250th Anniversary.

The event is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is requested. Please consider a donation of $10 or more when you register. Your contribution will help defray the cost of this event and help us preserve the historic Hunter's Iron Works site. You will receive a confirmation email with donation information after you RSVP.

Enjoy living history experiences, symposium speakers, and other Rev War adventures.

EVENT DETAILS

OCTOBER 10-11, 2026

Location - Historic Falmouth, Virginia

Pratt Park

120 River Rd

Fredericksburg, Virginia 22405

Step Back Into Revolutionary History

Come see The Commander-in-Chief’s Guard on October 10 at John Pratt Park in Falmouth, Virginia, as part of Revolution on the Rappahannock: Hunter’s Iron Works and American Independence.

Commander-in-Chief's Guard 2017

Created by General George Washington in 1776, the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard—often called Washington’s Life Guard—was charged with protecting the Commander in Chief, his headquarters, official papers, supplies, and military stores. Carefully selected for their discipline, character, and reliability, these soldiers accompanied Washington throughout the Revolutionary War.

Today, historical reenactors bring the story of Washington’s elite guard to life through authentic uniforms, equipment, demonstrations, and living-history interpretation. Meet the men who stood closest to the Commander in Chief and discover a fascinating chapter of the American Revolution.

Join us October 10 at John Pratt Park and experience history up close!

OCTOBER 10

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Symposium

Kathi Lynn Austin, Freedom Forge Foundation - Preserving the Iconic Hunter’s Iron Works

Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor, Stafford Historical Society - James Hunter & the American Revolution

Craig Bell, American Society of Arms Collectors - The Guns Made at James Hunter’s Rappahannock Forge

Katherine Egner, Historian - Striking While the Iron is Hot: Self-Emancipation at Hunter’s Iron Works

Barbra Anderson, Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. - James Hunter & Fredericksburg’s Gunnery

Shelby Chandler, James Monroe Memorial Foundation - Hunter’s Freemasonry Legacy

Meet the Speakers

OCTOBER 10

1:00 - 5:00 PM - Main Event

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Falmouth Union Church credit Calder Loth 2022 DHR

Living History Experiences
Historic Weapons, Uniforms, and Artifacts Display
Blacksmithing and Forging
Heritage exhibits from regional museums and historical societies
Food Trucks - Team Carolina BBQ and Sweet Tooth Waffles & Munchies
Kid's Corner on the River!

1:30 PM - Commander-in-Chief's Guard Company Drill
Starts PROMPTLY AT 1:30 PM

3:00 PM - Fife & Drum

3:45 PM - Commemorative Tribute

5:00 PM - Historic Site Tours

Falmouth Historic Cemetery & Union Church Historic Site Tours

Meet at the Ray Grizzle Activities Center.

60 Butler Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Park at the Ray Grizzle Activity Center or or take the event shuttle bus from Pratt Park.

Bring the Whole Family!

Play colonial games, get creative with crafts, meet courageous animals, explore historic relics, and discover the ghost of James Hunter—all part of an unforgettable experience designed for youngsters. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled adventure!

OCTOBER 11

8:00 AM - Plaid to the Bone 10K (prompt start)

Celebrate Scottish heritage at the “Plaid to the Bone” 10K at Pratt Park! This year features the special participation of Clan Hunter, tying directly into the concurrent historical commemorations. Once you cross the finish line, celebrate your achievement with a festive post-race feast featuring fresh donuts and warm apple cider.

11:00 AM - Historic Site Tours

Falmouth Historic Cemetery & Union Church Historic Site Tours

Park at the Ray Grizzle Activity Center or walk the 1.5-mile trail from Pratt Park to Brook Park to the Ray Grizzle Activity Center.

Event Map

Photography and/or Video

This event will be photographed and/or recorded. Images/Video may be used for promotional purposes by the Freedom Forge Foundation and/or Stafford County Tourism.