The Presidents Tour
George Washington influenced not only Fredericksburg’s history, but also the new nation he helped form. Washington is not the only president with ties to the Fredericksburg region. Follow in the footsteps of these leaders and trace the course of early US history.
Located on the banks of the Rappahannock River is the site of George Washington’s boyhood home where he, his sister Betty, and brothers Samuel, John, and Charles grew up. His family moved to Ferry Farm when he was 6, and he lived there until the age of 22. At the age of 11, George inherited the farm upon his father’s death, and his mother, Mary Ball Washington, lived here until 1772 when George bought a house in Fredericksburg for her. At Ferry Farm today, archaeologists have unearthed Native American artifacts dating back 10,000 years, early 18th-century home sites and Civil War artifacts. Built using the same construction methods used during the time of Washington, this replica of his boyhood home is a very good example of early American architecture. There is also a garden featuring plants that would have been grown during the Washingtons’ residence.
George Washington befriended Hugh Mercer, an expatriate Scotsman, during the French and Indian War. It was at Washington’s suggestion that he began his medical practice in Fredericksburg, where Mercer’s patients included the Washington family, until he joined the Continental Army in 1776. He died heroically at the Battle of Princeton.
Built by Charles Washington as his home in 1760, the building was later operated as a tavern and served as the social center of town. Although the tavern lost its liquor license in 1823, the tavern wench today can serve an enjoyable shot of living history. Evening candlelight tours are available.
Purchased by George Washington for his mother in 1772, this home is a simple frame house where she spent her last 17 years. Her English- style garden has been restored and the house contains some of her prized personal possessions as well as many fine period pieces.
Historic Kenmore is the elegant, Georgian-style brick mansion of George Washington’s sister, Betty, and her patriot husband, Colonel Fielding Lewis. This mansion is known for its ornate plasterwork ceilings and the Aesop’s fable theme in the dining room overmantel is said to have been suggested by Washington himself. A reproduction of 1700’s wall to wall carpet shows a vibrant color scheme, similar to what would have been the original floor covering.
This monument marks the grave of Mary Washington. Work on the monument started in 1789, but remained unfinished for many years. in 1893, the Daughters of the American Revolution started a fundraising campaign to finish the monument. It was completed and dedicated in 1894. The nearby “Meditation Rock” was a place where Mary Washington frequently went to pray and meditate during the last 17 years of her life when she lived in Fredericksburg.
Stop #7 - Jefferson Religious Freedom Monument
This monument is in recognition of Thomas Jefferson’s drafting of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom, which was adopted by the Virginia General Assembly in December 1785. The statute, which later inspired the First Amendment to the US Constitution, established the idea that people should not be persecuted for their religious beliefs.
The James Monroe Museum, located in historic downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia, is the largest repository in the country for artifacts and documents related to the fifth president of the United States. The museum was first opened in 1927 by Monroe descendants as a place to house their own personal collections, which had been handed down through generations of the family. Eventually, the museum and its extensive collections were turned over to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the museum is now administered by the University of Mary Washington.
Stop #9 - Lincoln Steps
Located outside of the Fredericksburg Area Museum, from these steps, originally located on the side of the National Bank building a block away, President Lincoln addressed soldiers and citizens of Fredericksburg on May 23, 1862.
Optional Stops:
The Lewis Store was operated by George Washington’s brother-in-law, Fielding Lewis and is now the home of the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. Fredericksburg Lodge No.4, A.F.& A.M., is one of the oldest Masonic lodges in Virginia and counted George Washington as one of its members. Special arrangements must be made in advance to tour both of these facilities.
Contact Information
Haley Backlund
Tourism Services Coordinator
City of Fredericksburg Department of Economic Development and Tourism
[email protected]
540-372-1216
