Retired educator Jane Conner was the citizen most responsible for saving Government Island and was one of the leaders in saving Ferry Farm, George Washington’s boyhood home.

Author of Birthstone of the White House and Capitol, Lincoln in Stafford, and Sinners, Saints and Soldiers in Civil War Stafford, she has donated all proceeds to the historical society’s museum fund.

A life member and five-time past president of the historical society, she also lectures extensively, serves on the historical commission and museum committee and foundation board, and heads an educator committee which integrates Stafford history into Virginia’s Standards of Learning.

A recipient of the National Conservation Award of the Daughters of the American Revolution, her congressional testimony was vital to national recognition of Government Island and her scholarship and activism to its establishment as a park. 

The history of the stone that was quarried on Government Island in Stafford, VA which created two of our nation's most important structures.The history of the stone that was quarried on Government Island in Stafford, VA which created two of our nation's most important structures. 

TIn 1862 and 1863, Lincoln visited Stafford County, Virginia six different times, for a total of fourteen days.  Traveling around the area where our first president, George Washington, grew up, he observed over 135,000 troops in the Arm of the Potomac.  In Stafford, Lincoln conferred with commanders, visited soldiers in camps, and called on wounded men in hospitals.  He encouraged the army and boosted morale.  Demoralized by the loss at Fredericksburg and the disastrous Mud March, their Commander-in-Chief’s visits lifted the troops.  Lincoln said of his long visit to Stafford, “…It is a great relief to get away from Washington and the politicians…” 

Sinners, Saints, and Soldiers in Civil War Stafford— Over 135,000 Union soldiers came to Stafford during the Civil War.  This book relates the stories of six unique individuals who visited the area.  The writings of these soldiers, nurses, and civilians help paint a picture of what Stafford and Fredericksburg were like during this devastating war.  The author tells about their colorful lives before, during, and after the war.  Some went on to contribute much to a nation that was rebuilding and mending