Government Island 1

A beautiful boardwalk and a scenic heritage trail invite visitors to explore Government Island. This 17-acre historic site is also referred to as “America’s Historic Stone Quarry.” Stone (Aquia sandstone) used to build the U.S. Capitol and the White House was quarried here and shipped up the Potomac River. The nature trail along the water’s edge has interpretative signs that detail the history of the Native American population of the “island” as well as the extensive activities on the site through the early nineteenth century. Creeks, wetlands, and marsh areas provide a variety of habitats for birds and other wildlife. The elevated boardwalk through the wetlands and woods to the island provide a continuous, accessible viewing area. Government Island is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.