Dahlgren & Port Conway, Virginia

Afternoon on the beach at the foot of the U.S. 301/Potomac River Bridge near Dahlgren, Va.

The view toward Maryland from the beach at the foot of the Potomac River Bridge.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Port Conway, Va., built in 1860, was occupied by Union forces during the War Between the States and used as a hospital and stable.

Frank Stevens, a trustee of Emmanuel church, says it is the most heavily endowed church in Virginia. Over the years wealthy planters along the river donated enough money for it to be cared for in perpetuity. The congregation currently numbers six members.

Sunlight dapples the graveyard beside the church.

James Madison — one of the founding fathers of  the United States and its fourth president — was born in a manor house down this lane near Emmanuel church in 1751. He was also the principal author of the U.S. Constitution.