Provided by Town of Dumfries
The Town of Dumfries has taken a historic step to reclaim its roots and shape its future with the acquisition of the Campbell property, a 161-acre site that will serve as the cornerstone of the Town’s new Waterfront District. This once-in-a-generation opportunity advances the Destination Dumfries Vision 2044 and re-establishes the community’s deep connection to the water that first gave the Town its identity as Virginia’s oldest chartered town.
Located at 17999 Possum Point Road, the Campbell property represents nearly one-quarter of the Town’s footprint. The site includes two commercial/light industrial buildings, contractor storage areas, and extensive wetlands, with approximately 14 acres of developable land. While much of the property will remain protected as part of the Quantico Creek watershed and Resource Protection Area (RPA), the developable acreage creates opportunities for new homes, new jobs, and new gathering spaces, all while preserving critical open space for generations to come.
Rediscovering Dumfries: Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Mayor Derrick Wood celebrated the acquisition as both a legacy decision and a bold vision for the Town’s next chapter: “With the Campbell property, we are not simply expanding our footprint, we are rediscovering the roots of Dumfries. This acquisition gives us the opportunity to honor our history, protect our natural resources, and thoughtfully shape a waterfront district that reconnects our community to the very place where Dumfries began. It’s both a reflection of our past and a foundation for our future.”
A Balanced Vision for Growth
Future planning for the Campbell property will focus on four pillars that directly enhance the lives of residents:
- Housing – Meeting critical housing needs so more families can call Dumfries home.
- Economic Vitality – Creating jobs and attracting investment through well-planned mixed-use
development. - Culture & Recreation – Building cultural spaces, entertainment venues, and recreational amenities where the community can gather and thrive.
- Environmental Stewardship – Preserving wetlands, floodplain areas, and open space to ensure
long-term sustainability.
Acquired for $3.9 million across six parcels, the Campbell property will anchor the Dumfries Waterfront District, a bold initiative designed to strengthen the Town’s identity as a family- friendly, business-ready community that honors its history while preparing for its future.
Stewardship and Strategic Planning
Town Manager Tangela Innis emphasized the Town’s financial stewardship and forward-looking
approach: “This acquisition reflects the Town’s commitment to investing wisely in our future. By securing this property, we are not only protecting critical natural resources but also positioning Dumfries for growth that aligns with our community values. This effort demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships, careful planning, and a shared vision for long-term success.”
What’s Next
In the coming months, the Town will begin a master planning process to chart the future of the Campbell property. Community engagement will be central, ensuring that residents, businesses, and stakeholders help shape how this historic land is transformed into homes, trails, cultural venues, and preserved natural spaces.
“This is not just a Town project,” Mayor Wood added. “It is a community legacy.”
With this acquisition, Dumfries reaffirms its place as a historic town with a bold vision for the future, a community where history, nature, and progress meet on the waterfront.
