Jane Conner has written a book about the sites in Stafford County where President Abraham Lincoln visited. Lincoln visited Chatham, seen in this photo, on May 23, 1862. SCOTT NEVILLE/THE FREE LANCE-STAR Visit the Photo Place

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When Lincoln visited Stafford County Book signings are scheduled

Stafford resident Jane Conner writes "Lincoln in Stafford" about the times President Abraham Lincoln stepped foot in the county. By Michael Aubrecht

Date published: 11/25/2006

By Michael Aubrecht

FOUNDED IN 1664, Stafford County has certainly witnessed its share of historical events over the last 300-plus years. It was on the shores of Potomac Creek, in an area known as Marlboro Point, where an Indian princess named Pocahontas was kidnapped and taken to Jamestown. In 1738 Augustine Washington and his 6-year-old son, George, moved to a 600-acre estate called Ferry Farm. This is where the future inaugural president of the United States allegedly skipped a coin across the Rappahannock River and cut down a legendary cherry tree.

During the Civil War, Stafford was used extensively as a staging area by the occupying Federal army and hosted more than 135,000 Union troops. From 1862 to 1863, another U.S. president, Abraham Lincoln, visited the county on six different occasions for a total of 14 days. These rarely publicized events provided the basis for Stafford County historian Jane Hollenbeck Conner's latest book, titled "Lincoln in Stafford."

Officially released this week, "Lincoln in Stafford" is Conner's second published piece on local history. Her first book, "Birthstone of the White House and Capitol," traced the quarrying of raw stone from Government Island's rock cliffs, overlooking Aquia Creek, to its skillful finishing and construction in two of America's most noteworthy buildings.

In addition to relating history, Conner's works serve an even greater purpose. Unlike the recent surge of Lincoln biographers who are attempting to financially capitalize on the controversial aspects surrounding the president's private life, this author has penned her studies purely in the "spirit of generosity" and is donating 100 percent of the proceeds to the Stafford County Museum Fund.

As a retired teacher with 20 years of service (16 in Stafford), Jane Conner is no stranger to the preservation and presentation of local history. In addition to her background in the classroom, she is also a member of the Government Island Committee and a longtime board member of the Stafford County Historical Society.

Jane Hollenbeck Conner's "Lincoln in Stafford" is published by Parker Publishing LLC. The book is a 96-page paperback with 62 illustrations and photographs. It includes an exclusive map of the Stafford County area, highlighting specific areas of interest from President Abraham Lincoln's travels, many of which no longer exist. It retails for $12.95 and 100 percent of the profits are donated to the Stafford County Museum Fund. BOOK SIGNINGS Jane Conner will sign copies of "Lincoln in Stafford" at the following locations: Saturday, Dec. 2, 1-5 p.m., Borders Books, Music, Movies and Cafe, 1240 Stafford MarketPlace Sunday, Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m., White Oak Civil War Museum, State Route 218, Stafford Thursday, Dec. 7, about 11:30 a.m., following APVA meeting, Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg Friday, Dec. 8, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Stafford County Administration Building lobby Saturday, Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m., Olde Virginia Gourmet and Gifts, North Stafford Shopping Plaza, 261 Garrisonville Road, Stafford Sunday, May 20, 2007, Chatham (145th anniversary of Lincoln's visit) STORES In addition to the locations above, "Lincoln in Stafford" is also available at the following locations: Beck's Antiques and Books, 708 Caroline St., Fredericksburg Belmont/Gari Melcher's Museum, 224 Washington St., Falmouth Chatham, 120 Chatham Lane, Stafford County County Fare Restaurant, across the street from Stafford Courthouse

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Date published: 11/25/2006