Nathaniel Ellicott formally established the town in 1804, bringing to fruition industrial and
commercial developments begun 'at or near the falls of Occoquan' by John Ballendine c. 1750.
The estuary of the Occoquan has attracted the attention of travelers since the time of John Smith.
Adjacent lands were patented by the 1650's; copper was being shipped from 'King' Carter's
landing, and tobacco from a public warehouse by the 1730s.
Erected 1976