3 Destinations, 4 Founding Fathers

Contact

Fredericksburg
Victoria Matthews, Tourism Sales Manager
[email protected]
540-372-1216
groupsatfred.com

Charlottesville
Teresa Lamb, Sales Manager
[email protected]
434-972-4138
visitcharlottesville.org

America’s 250th Anniversary

On July 4, 2026, our nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This historic milestone is an opportunity for the country to pause and reflect on all that we have achieved in the last 250 years and consider all that work that is still unfinished. The signing of the Declaration of Independence may have started a revolution, but that revolution is far from complete. The Founding Fathers knew at the time of the Declaration’s signing that this was an experiment. They did not have all the answers, but they knew that future generations would work to improve upon the framework they created. By studying the events of the past and honoring the contributions of those who have come before, we inform the continued efforts towards a future that includes the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.

The State of Virginia played a significant role in the creation of the United States of America. From the first permanent English colony at Jamestown in 1607 to the ultimate battle of the Revolutionary War at Yorktown in 1781, Virginia’s history is central to this story. Many of the nation’s most distinguished and notable Founding Fathers resided in Virginia. Commander of the Continental Army, General George Washington, called the Commonwealth home throughout the entirety of his life. Learn more about the man who played such an important role in the outcome of the American Revolution by visiting the places he called home.

To stay informed about events related to the America’s 250th celebration in individual localities and throughout the country, visit the following sites below. Events will populate on a rolling basis so check back often for the most up to date information.

State of Virginia 250th Commission:
https://va250.org/
National 250th Commission:
https://america250.org/

Begin the day with a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and get to know the author of the Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, the third President of the United States and the Founder of the University of Virginia. A self taught architect, Jefferson referred to Monticello as his “essay in architecture,” with construction continuing on the mountaintop for forty years. The final product is a unique blend of beauty and function that combines the best elements of the ancient and old worlds with a fresh American perspective. In addition to taking a guided tour of the House, explore the gardens and grounds, including Mulberry Row, the main street of the 5,000 acre plantation. Thomas Jefferson enslaved over six hundred people throughout his life. Learn about the men, women, and children who built Jefferson’s home, planted his crops, tended his gardens, and who helped run his household and raise his children.

Approximately 4 miles away is James Monroe’s Highland. The former plantation, nestled in the hills of Albemarle County, was a working plantation in the early American economy, and home to scores of enslaved men, women, and children who performed the bulk of Highland’s production and maintenance. It was also the sporadic residence of fifth president, James Monroe, from the years 1799 to 1826. For years, public understanding of the site relied on incomplete evidence, so now historians and archaeologists are peeling back the layers of mystery and misunderstanding to uncover more of Highland’s past. The untold lives of enslaved people, a fire that destroyed the original main residence, alterations by later owners: these are some of the many stories coming to light in recent work. While on site, take a self-guided tour of the 1818 guest house and explore exhibits that focus on Monroe’s presidential years and show how Highland is a lens for understanding the early American history and present day legacies.

Complete your day with a visit to a nearby winery such as Jefferson Vineyards. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Charlottesville, Jefferson Vineyards is located in the heart of America’s most historic winemaking region, neighboring Monticello and Highland. Their award-winning wines range from delicate and refreshing, to elegant, full-bodied and rich.  Alternatively, pay a visit to Carter Mountain Orchard located just minutes from downtown Charlottesville and Monticello. At the orchard, visitors overlook lush groves and breathtaking views of the valley below. Against this stunning backdrop, families and friends pick sun-ripened peaches and crisp apples while breathing in the fresh mountain air. From season to season, there’s always something fun!

Located 4 miles north of Montpelier is the town of Orange, VA. Stop for lunch at Orange’s Silk Mill Grill. Located in the historic site of a 1930’s era silk mill, this restaurant offers classic American surf ‘n’ turf dishes amid antique décor. Continue your drive on Constitution Highway (US-20) as you make your way north to Fredericksburg, VA. Acquaint yourself with Fredericksburg by visiting Mary Washington House. In 1772, George Washington purchased this home in Fredericksburg, Virginia for his mother. Mary Ball Washington spent her last seventeen years in this comfortable home. The white frame house sits on the corner of Charles and Lewis Streets and was in walking distance to Kenmore, home of Mary’s daughter Betty Washington Lewis. Tradition has it that, during the Revolution, General Lafayette came by the home seeking a visit with Mrs. Washington and found her working in her garden. The President-to-be came to this home to receive his mother’s blessing before attending his inauguration in 1789.

Continue your exploration of Fredericksburg with a visit to George Washington’s boyhood home, Ferry Farm. George Washington’s Ferry Farm is where young Washington spent his formative years. The future general and first president was 6 years old when his family moved to King George County (now Stafford County), Virginia, in 1738.The guided tour of the Washington house replica explores the lives of George, his mother Mary, other Washington family members, and the enslaved community. The tour recounts the adversity 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. The Visitor Center features the introductory exhibit The Science of History at Ferry Farm with colonial and Civil War artifacts excavated at Ferry Farm and windows into the Archaeology Lab, where you can see archaeologists identify and study thousands of artifacts found at Ferry Farm.

As you make your way to lunch, make a quick stop at Thomas Jefferson’s Religious Freedom Monument located on the Washington Avenue Mall at Pitt Street. It commemorates Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. The Statute became the basis for the religion clause of the First Amendment.

After a morning full of history, take a break and have lunch at one of over 40 chef or family owned restaurants in Downtown Fredericksburg. Whether you are looking for fine-dining or a quick sandwich, there is something to meet your cravings.

In the afternoon, sip and savor at A. Smith Bowman Distillery – Virginia’s oldest distillery, located just 5 minutes from Downtown Fredericksburg. Winner of multiple awards for their spirits, visitors to the area can experience a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production of hand crafted spirits. Tours explore distillation, barreling and bottling of high quality bourbon. Products are available for tasting and purchase.