During the Revolutionary War, George Washington had a road constructed to be used by “baggage wagons” extending from Georgetown to Dumfries through what is now known as Montclair.  Called “Dyers Road,” this road is located behind the Alexander Henderson Elementary School site.

-  In 1787 Alexander Henderson, a merchant and personal friend of George Washington, moved his family  to Dumfries.  The house in which the family lived still stands just behind the site of the County Court House in the town.  Having opened other stores in Alexandria, Colchester, and Occoquan after the Dumfries store proved successful, Henderson has been called the “father of the American chain store.” * He served as Prince William County representative in the Virginia General Assembly in 1789-1790.  Henderson’s fourth son, Archibald, served as Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1820-1859, a record 39 years.  Alexander Henderson and his wife Sarah Moore Henderson, who died in 1815 and 1816, respectively, are buried in Montclair; their hilltop gravesite overlooks the Lake Montclair dam.

When you recall your hometown, you are bound to think of tree-lined streets, blooming flowers, ample yards, parks for playing and friendly neighbors. For the nostalgic feeling that brings you home, there is no place like the Prince William County neighborhood of Montclair.