Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Family Affair: The Washingtons
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Visitors-in-Chief
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 29, 2026
1. A Family Affair: The Washingtons side of the marker
[Captions:]
George Washington grew up here along the Rappahannock River, from age six to twenty-two, at Ferry Farm, a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can tour the Washington House replica, outbuildings and a bustling archaeology lab.
George's brothers Samuel and Charles also grew up in the area, and visitors can tour Charles' ca. 1760 home, now known as Rising Sun Tavern.
George's sister, Betty, and her husband Fielding Lewis, lived on Washington Avenue in a large 1775 brick Georgian house now called Historic Kenmore, renowned for its elaborate plasterwork and beautiful gardens. It is open daily for tours.
Mary Washington, George's mother, moved from Ferry Farm to Fredericksburg in 1772 to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Fielding Lewis. Located on Charles Street, her house is open for tours. She is buried near Mary Washington Monument and Meditation Rock, where she often went to pray.
The University of Mary Washington traces its history to 1908. Founded as an all-woman's teaching college, it has grown into a co-ed, public liberal arts and sciences university.
this page online
Erected by Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism Department, City of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Government & Politics • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1760.
Location. 38° 18.997′ N, 77° 30.302′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It can be reached from Interstate 95 south of Warrenton Road (U.S. 17), on the right when traveling south. The marker stands on the grounds of the Virginia Welcome Center at Fredericksburg. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1318 I-95, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fredericksburg, Virginia / Area Museums (here, next to this marker); Fredericksburg in a Flash / Byway to Highway (a few steps from this marker); Freedom, A Work in Progress / Fredericksburg, Virginia (a few steps from this marker); The History of Baseball in Fredericksburg (approx. 0.2 miles 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); Acts of Bravery (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Other markers no longer nearby. George Washington: Statesman and Public Servant (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); George Washington: Surveyor and Family Man (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); George Washington: Soldier and Virginia Planter (was a few steps from this marker
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 29, 2026
3. A Family Affair: The Washingtons / Visitors-in-Chief Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
