Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Lewis Store
1749
— Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. • Restoration in 2002 and 2019 —
Councilor John Lewis (1694 - 1754) of Warner Hall in Gloucester County purchased 406 acres at the northern edge of Fredericksburg in 1742 and began a commercial business in wooden buildings across Caroline Street.
Lewis had this brick store, distinguished by its stone Quoins, constructed in 1749. His son, Fielding Lewis (1725-1781), who married George Washington's sister Betty, ran this mercantile arm of the Lewis family's extensive shipping operations.
Later, William S. Stone, William Taylor, and Robert Mackay, among others, operated the store. The Fredericksburg Fire of 1807 damaged the original story and a half structure. When it was repaired, the second floor was added.
In 1823, the building became a residence. The last occupant was local artist Keith Torbleau Pitzer (1920-1973), before it was given to the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation in 1996 by Dr Robert and Mary Ellen Wheeler.
Erected by Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1742.
Location. 38° 18.345′ N, 77° 27.663′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker is on Caroline
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Kenmore (a few steps from this marker); 1908 (within shouting distance of this marker); Fire on Caroline Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Reformed Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); 1854 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rising Sun Tavern (about 300 feet away); c. 1740s (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Rising Sun Tavern (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 4, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
