Near Fredericksburg in Stafford County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
George Washington’s Childhood Home
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 14, 2007
1. George Washington's Childhood Home Marker
The Washington family moved to a plantation here in 1738 when George Washington was six years old. Along with his three brothers and sister, young Washington spent most of his early life here, where, according to popular fable, he cut down his father’s cherry tree and uttered the immortal words, “I cannot tell a lie.” His father, Augustine, died here in 1743, leaving the property to him. His mother, Mary Ball Washington, lived here until 1772 when she moved to a house in Fredericksburg that Washington bought for her.
Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number J-61.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Arts, Letters, Music • Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the George Washington Slept Here series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1738.
Location. 38° 17.831′ N, 77° 26.864′ W. Marker is near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Stafford County. It is at the intersection of Kings Highway (Virginia Route 3) and Georg Washington Way,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area, in Northern Virginia, and in the Piedmont. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds 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 marker: Creek Delegation in Fredericksburg (within shouting distance of this marker); The Quarter (approx. 0.2 miles away); Enslaved Quarter (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cellar House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Root Cellar (approx. 0.2 miles away); George Washington Boyhood Home Site (approx. ¼ mile away); Fredericksburg's Wharves and Harbor
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 14, 2007
2. Marker at old entrance to farm site
Marker has been relocated to the new entrance (0.2 miles north)
Other markers no longer nearby. The Civil War at Ferry Farm (was about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing); The Washington Plantation (was about 800 feet away but has been confirmed missing); The Ferries (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . .
1. Historic Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm. The George Washington Foundation website entry (Submitted on July 15, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia.)
2. Video: Greatest Heroes In History - George Washington (Part 1 of 3). A three part history of George Washington hosted on YouTube. (Submitted on February 13, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
3. Video: Greatest Heroes In History - George Washington (Part 2 of 3). Part two of a three part history of George Washington hosted on YouTube. (Submitted on February 13, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
4. Video: Greatest Heroes In History - George Washington (Part 3 of 3).
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 19, 2023
3. George Washington’s Childhood Home Marker
Marker at the new entrance to Ferry Farm.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 19, 2023
4. Washington House at Ferry Farm
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 14, 2007
5. Archaeological excavation at house site
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,531 times since then and 71 times this year. Last updated on September 27, 2022, by Mason Newton of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 15, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on April 28, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on July 15, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
