Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
George Washington: Soldier and Virginia Planter
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 24, 2008
1. George Washington: Soldier
George Washington: Soldier
George Washington gained his first military experience during the French and Indian Wars where his bravery and leadership made him a hero. When discord between the American colonies and the British Crown broke out in 1775, George Washington was picked to lead the Continental Army. He commanded 11,000 ill-trained and poorly-equipped men for eight years, and at times, it seemed only his will held the army together. Combining forces with French allies, Washington defeated the British army at Yorktown, Virginia, on October 19, 1781, ending British dominance in the former colonies.
George Washington: Virginia Planter
George Washington, a careful farmer and at times an inventive one, inherited Mount Vernon from his brother's family. He actively farmed the estate in the interludes between his public service. Mount Vernon was Washington's favorite home, and he sustained his family from its products - tobacco, wool, dried fish, wheat and other grains - despite poor soils and a heavy debt on the property. Washington was a slave owner; though he profited from the system, he was never entirely comfortable
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 these topic lists: Agriculture • War, French and Indian • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1732.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 18.99′ 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 bridge. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America.
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
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 24, 2008
2. George Washington: Virginia Planter
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 (approx. ¼ mile away); 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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Other markers no longer nearby. George Washington: Surveyor and Family Man (was here, next to this marker but has been
Photographed by Craig Swain, November 22, 2008
3. One in a Set of Marker at the Welcome Center
More about this marker. Drawings and paintings on the marker's sides illustrate scenes from Washington's military career and his life as a planter.
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 August 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,665 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 7, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
