Historic Kenmore and George Washington's Ferry Farm

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 24, 2008

1. Historic Kenmore and George Washington's Ferry Farm Marker

Inscription.
Historic Kenmore and George Washington's Ferry
For George Washington, Fredericksburg was "…the place of my growing infancy." The old town on the Rappahannock River remained his home until he moved permanently to Mt. Vernon after the death of his brother Lawrence. Ferry Farm was his inheritance under his father's will, as Mt. Vernon was Lawrence's.

Ferry Farm is the setting of Parson Weems' tales of young George Washington - the honest boy who could not tell as lie (about cutting down the cherry tree) and the strong young man who tossed a stone (not a silver dollar!) across the Rappahannock River. Cherry trees still grow there and the river still runs past.

Washington's mother Mary lived in Fredericksburg until her death in 1789, managing the Ferry Farm until she moved into a house in town closer to her daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Fielding Lewis. A close friend and advisor of Washington, Fielding Lewis staked his personal fortune on a gunnery of Fredericksburg which supplied arms to help win the American Revolution.

The Lewises' magnificent house, known today as Kenmore, was built in 1775. It contains the

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most elaborate decorative plaster work of the colonial period. This is a dramatic contrast to the simple charm of Washington's mother's house only a few blocks away.

These historic houses and Ferry Farm, lying opposite old Fredericksburg along the banks of the Rappahannock, help tell the story of the Fredericksburg boy who became the "Father of His Country."
These sites are open to the public.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument
America's first and greatest hero, George Washington, was born on his father's Popes Creek tobacco plantation in 1732. He would spend his formative years learning the culture of the Virginia aristocracy, experiencing the community of master, servants, and slaves, and absorbing the legacy of three generations of Washingtons before him in America.

Located in the Northern Neck of Virginia, 38 miles east of Fredericksburg on Virginia Route 3, George Washington Birthplace National Monument preserves the heart of Augustine Washington's plantation, the 17th century homesite of the immigrant John Washington, and the Washington Family Burial Ground.

First marked in 1815, George Washington's

George Washington Birthplace National Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 24, 2008

2. George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Birthplace contains a Memorial House and dependencies constructed in 1931 near the site of the original Washington home. Here, in the peace and beauty of this place untouched by time, the stanch character of our hero comes to imagination.

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: Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1789.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 18.989′ N, 77° 30.297′ W. Marker was near 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 at or near this postal address: 400 Bragg Hill Dr, 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,

One in a Set of Marker at the Welcome Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain

3. One in a Set of Marker at the Welcome Center

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 (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

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no longer nearby. George Washington: Soldier and Virginia Planter (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); George Washington: Surveyor and Family Man (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); George Washington: Statesman and Public Servant (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . .
1. Historic Kenmore. Web site of the George Washington Fredericksburg Foundation. (Submitted on December 7, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

2. George Washington Birthplace National Monument. (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 2,230 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 7, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.