George Washington was 6 years old in 1738 when his family moved to a farm in Stafford County, Virginia. The Washingtons called this place the Home Farm but it later became known as Ferry Farm because people crossed the Rappahannock River on a ferry from the farm to the town of Fredericksburg.
A visit to Ferry Farm starts in the Visitor Center where there are displays of colonial and Civil War artifacts found on the property and the archaeology lab, where archaeologists can be viewed working Monday through Friday. After leaving the Visitor Center, guests can enjoy the gardens that feature plants grown in the 18th century. Head over to the house for a guided tour of the Washington house. The replica explores the lives of George, his mother Mary, other Washington family members, and the enslaved community. It recounts the adversity all of these individuals faced after the death of Augustine Washington, George’s father. You can walk Ferry Farm’s grounds before and after your house tour. Getting to and from the Washington house from the Visitor Center requires a 0.5 mile round-trip walk on a hard-surfaced path with no elevation change. Other points of interest to see on the roughly 60-acre Ferry Farm require additional walking on paths or hiking on trails with elevation changes. Walk down to the Rappahannock River, walk down the old ferry road, enjoy the hiking trails, and watch for birds in the Wild Meadow.
Tickets
Ferry Farm Admission Prices: $12 adults, $6 students, ages 5 and under, free. Combination Ticket to both Ferry Farm and Kenmore: $22 adults, $10 students
See Ferry Farm hours and purchase tickets ahead of time.
