How about stepping back into the late 1700s at Williams Ordinary? This stately building whispers tales of travelers and a burgeoning nation. Williams Ordinary stands as a testament to a time when Dumfries was a bustling port.
Williams Ordinary, once known as Love’s Tavern and Stagecoach Inn, offers a glimpse into colonial life. It was a place where weary travelers could find rest and refreshment. It was a combination of a hotel and restaurant.
Originally believed to have been built in 1760, more recent research places its construction around 1785. Despite the slightly later date, Williams Ordinary remains historically significant. It stands proudly on what was once the King’s Highway, now Route 1.
One striking feature of Williams Ordinary is its all-header bond brickwork. This means the front of the building is made with the short ends of the bricks facing outward. Williams Ordinary is one of only a few examples of this style in North America. It was used to showcase the owner’s wealth.
George Williams himself was running his ordinary here as early as 1788. At the time Dumfries was a viable port for ocean-going vessels. Overproduction of tobacco led to the silting of the Quantico Creek. The port declined. Businesses suffered and people moved away.
The history of Williams Ordinary is intertwined with the rise and fall of Dumfries. For a time it was known as Love’s Tavern and Stagecoach Inn. In the 1900s it was a private residence.
Prince William County purchased Williams Ordinary at the beginning of the 21st century. Today, the building houses the offices for the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation. You can tour Williams Ordinary by special appointment. Just call the Office of Historic Preservation.
Consider the hands that laid each brick and the voices that echoed within these walls. Williams Ordinary is more than just a building. It is a portal to the past. It is a reminder of a bygone era in Virginia’s history. Its unique architecture and rich history make it a treasure worth preserving.