Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
George Washington: Surveyor and Family Man
George Washington: Surveyor
George Washington loved mathematics, a passion he put to work when he learned to survey land, a useful trade in colonial America. At the age of 15, his first surveying job was to map his brother's turnip field. Washington accompanied the official survey party to map the frontiers in western Virginia when he was 16 years old. At 18, he was appointed surveyor for Culpeper County, Virginia. George relished the work despite the discomfort of sleeping in the field under "one thread Bear blanket with double its Weight of Vermin...."
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George Washington: Family Man
Born into a planter family in 1732, George Washington received schooling in the morals, manners, and body of knowledge required for an 18th century Virginia gentleman. He loved outdoor sports - hunting, fishing, riding - and earned a reputation for himself as one of Virginia's best horsemen.
When George was eleven years old, his father died, leaving him to move back and forth between several Washington family estates, first with his mother and then with his favorite older half brother Lawrence. In 1759, George married Martha Custis, wealthy widow with two children, and became one of the richest men in Virginia. Martha proved to be an excellent companion for George for the rest of his life; he, in return, was a steadfast husband and devoted father to her children.
Erected by National Park Service in partnership with the George Washington's Fredericksburg Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1732.
Location. 38° 18.991′ N, 77° 30.298′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker is on Interstate 95, on the right when traveling south. Located in front of the Fredericksburg Rest Stop / Welcome Center on I-95 south bound, just past the Rappahannock River bridge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 Bragg Hill Dr, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. George Washington: Soldier and Virginia Planter (here, next to this marker); George Washington: Statesman and Public Servant (here, next to this marker); Historic Kenmore and George Washington's Ferry Farm (here, next to this marker); Quest For Knowledge (approx. 0.4 miles away); Henry "Box" Brown (approx. 0.4 miles away); Endurance Through It All (approx. 0.4 miles away); Acts of Bravery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Abolitionists (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
More about this marker. The markers display several drawings and paintings relevant to Washington's surveying activities and his family life.
Also see . . . Historic Kenmore. Web site of the George Washington Fredericksburg Foundation. (Submitted on December 7, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,826 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 7, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on October 12, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.