Government Island in Virginia Helped Build Washington D.C.

Tucked away along a tributary of the Potomac River 35 miles south of Washington, D.C. is a small island that was very important to the early U.S. Government. On this 17 acre island was a limestone quarry active in the late 18th and 19th centuries, the source for limestone used to build iconic buildings such as the U.S. Capitol and the White House. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.

I was visiting relatives in Virginia today and decided to do my morning trail run on the trail that runs around the perimeter of the island. It is a nice shady trail that was perfect as the summer heat kicks in. The rolling trail around the island is about a half mile around, so be prepared to do several loops if you want a longer hike or run. I took some pictures along the way with my trusty iPhone.

To get to the island you have to walk about a half mile across a deck walkway that cuts through the swamp along Aquia Creek.

There is still some limestone left in the quarry and you can easily see how they cut slabs out of the rock to be barged up to D.C.

There are signs placed around the island explaining its history and operation.

This is a point along the Aquia Creek where they would load the stone onto barges and move it out to and up the Potomac River to Washington D.C.

It's worth a visit if you are ever in the vicinity.

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