Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
George Washington: Statesman and Public Servant
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 24, 2008
1. George Washington: Statesman
George Washington: Statesman
Following the Treaty of Paris that guaranteed American independence from Great Britain in 1783, Washington became an influential mover in the steps leading to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787. Washington took his oath of office as the first United States president on April 30, 1789. Under his leadership, the new nation became an influential world power. Washington served two terms, conscious of the historic nature of his office; he was not only the first American president, but also the first elected head of state in western civilization. In office, Washington protected American neutrality in foreign affairs, established a strong central administration with three departments - Treasury, War, and State - and arbitrated successfully between political parties and regional factions.
George Washington: Public Servant
George Washington was never out of the public eye for long, though he yearned for private life at Mount Vernon. He served willingly, but with caution. He was sensitive to criticism, yet subjected himself to it by giving his talents and experience to his
this page online
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: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1983.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 18.992′ N, 77° 30.298′ W. Marker was in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was 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
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 24, 2008
2. George Washington: Public Servant
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Freedom, A Work in Progress / Fredericksburg, Virginia (here, next to this marker); Fredericksburg in a Flash / Byway to Highway (here, next to this marker); Fredericksburg, Virginia / Area Museums (a few steps from this marker); A Family Affair: The Washingtons / Visitors-in-Chief (a few steps from this marker); The History of Baseball in Fredericksburg
Photographed by Craig Swain, November 22, 2008
3. One in a Set of Marker at the Welcome Center
Other markers no longer nearby. George Washington: Surveyor and Family Man (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); George Washington: Soldier and Virginia Planter (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Historic Kenmore and George Washington's Ferry Farm (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. Both sides of the marker display drawing and painting of events of Washington's public life.
Also see . . . Historic Kenmore. Web site of the George Washington Fredericksburg Foundation. (Submitted on December 7, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 24, 2013
4. George Washington
Addressing the Constitutional Convention
by Junius Brutus Stearns,
Addressing the Constitutional Convention
by Junius Brutus Stearns,
Photographed by Wikipedia
5. "Washington, Henry & Pendleton going to the First Congress,"
Lithograph by Henry Bryan Hall
Lithograph by Henry Bryan Hall
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 24, 2013
6. The Inauguration of George Washington
on April 30, 1789
on April 30, 1789
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 24, 2013
7. Gilbert Stuart's Unfinished 1796 painting of George Washington
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 24, 2013
8. George Washington Arriving in New York
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 24, 2013
9. Washington Crossing the Delaware River
by Emanuel Leutze
by Emanuel Leutze
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 24, 2013
10. George Washington Directing His Troops
Photographed by Craig Swain, November 22, 2008
11. Walking Path
A short walking path between the parking lots includes several waysides advertising the attractions of Fredericksburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,571 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 7, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on October 16, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 11. submitted on December 7, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
