Wordless{ish} Wednesday: Get quarried away

{Sammy and I took a little trip back in time to the eighteenth century on Sunday; we headed off to the newly-opened Government Island, which was the location of the historic Aquia sandstone quarry.  The site's close proximity and the sandstone's easy carving ability led to the rock being chosen as the primary building material for many architecturally significant structures throughout northern Virginia as well as the nation's capital.  The quarry is now a park preserve and features a 1 1/2 mile hiking trail that circles the island, which is accessible by a long and winding boardwalk that crosses the tidal creeks.}

{The rock faces in the quarry still bear the scars left by the laborers who worked there centuries ago.}

{This large stone, which bears the initials, "R. S.," served as one of stone mason Robert Steuart's boundary markers.  Steuart, who was originally from Baltimore, purchased a one-acre parcel on the island in 1786.}

{The scenery on the island was lush and gorgeous; every now and then a squirrel would dart across the trail while dragonflies flitted lazily about. The trees towered above us, providing us with some shady respite from the 92-degree heat. It truly was a beautiful place--if you ever happen to find yourself in Stafford County and have some time to kill, be sure to stop and check it out.}