Indigenous Foundations
The Occoquan River takes its name from an Algonquian word commonly interpreted as “at the end of the water.” Indigenous peoples, including the Doeg and related Algonquian-speaking communities, lived along the river for generations, using it for fishing, travel, and trade.
Colonial Industry and the Revolutionary Era
By the 18th century, the Occoquan River became a vital industrial corridor. Mills and ports near the fall line supplied flour and materials to the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
African American History
Enslaved and later free African Americans were integral to the river’s economy, working in mills, on boats, and in riverfront communities. Their labor and resilience are inseparable from the Occoquan’s story.
Maritime Community Today
Today the river supports Prince William Marina, Occoquan Harbor Marina, Belmont Bay Harbor Marina, Holly Acres on the Water, and a network of yacht clubs and maritime organizations that sustain both working and recreational boating.
The Blessing of the Fleet
Blessings of the fleet historically sought protection for those who earn their living on the water. The 2026 ORMA Blessing of the Fleet continues this tradition while commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary.