Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Moment in Time: Circa 1925
Fredericksburg: Timeless.
Historic preservation does not freeze time, but makes visible the ongoing changes within a community. While many architectural details remain intact, most of the street-level storefronts are different today than they were in the 1920s, and some were different then from when they were built.
In the 1920s, photographer Frances Benjamin Johnston exposed hundreds of images in Fredericksburg. This one was captioned: "Merchants' Stores and Offices, Brick Row, Commerce and Main Streets, Fredericksburg, Virginia." Those street names have been changed back to their original Colonial period names—William and Caroline Streets. Similarly, some of the visible buildings have changed as well.
Bond's Drug Store extended across two storefronts, identified by its awnings. Next was Spitler's Auto Supply (note the gas pumps on the sidewalk!). Between the two gas pumps, a barber pole is visible. That building, with a different façade, is a barbershop today. Continuing uphill is J.E. Gallahan's Electric, Shelton's Shoe Repair, and The American Café, featuring "Southern Cooking."
Erected by Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism Office.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
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Location. 38° 18.218′ N, 77° 27.57′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of Caroline Street (Business U.S. 17) and William Street, on the right when traveling north on Caroline Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 925 Caroline St, 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. Inalienable Rights (a few steps from this marker); Civil Rights (a few steps from this marker); Constitutional Crisis (a few steps from this marker); Center of Eighteenth Century Urban Life (within shouting distance of this marker); Mercantile Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis Randolph Ball (within shouting distance of this marker); Market Square (within shouting distance of this marker); The Second Town Hall (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 220 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
