Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Freedom, A Work in Progress
⎯⎯⎯
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 29, 2026
1. Freedom, A Work in Progress side of the marker
[Captions:]
Inspired the protests in Greensboro, local students began sit-ins in Fredericksburg during the summer of 1960. Gaye Todd Adegbalola (right) protests on the street during the Fredericksburg sit-ins. She continues to be influential through her music, advocacy, and leadership.
John Washington, a former enslaved person, lived in the building now home to Foode. In 1862, Washington escaped and crossed over the Rappahannock River to his freedom. Today, the building's legacy continues as it is now Black-owned, symbolizing the ongoing journey toward equality and the progress made in the fight for justice.
Renowned artist Johnny P. Johnson made history as the first Black professor at Mary Washington College, (now the University of Mary Washington). A mural in his honor stands downtown.
On May 4, 1961, a group of 13 Freedom Riders entered the bus station in Fredericksburg to challenge segregation of interstate travel. This was the first stop of the Freedom Rides, orchestrated by legendary civil rights activist, Dr. James Farmer. Dr. Farmer would later teach at Mary Washington College, (now the University of Mary Washington).
this page online
[Captions:]
Market Square, adjacent to the Fredericksburg Area Museum, is home to outdoor entertainment, markets, and cultural and community events.
The site of the Battle of Fredericksburg is home to a statue commemorating the "Angel of Marye's Heights."
Trolley tours visit sites across the city. On the First Friday of every month, they run for free between the art galleries.
Follow in the footsteps of our first president as you explore his childhood home town.
Erected by Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism Department, City of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Notable Places • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 4, 1961.
Location. 38° 18.991′ N, 77° 30.299′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It can be reached from Interstate 95 south of Warrenton Road (U.S.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 29, 2026
2. Fredericksburg, Virginia side of the marker
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 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: 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
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 29, 2026
3. Freedom, A Work in Progress / Fredericksburg, Virginia Marker
Other markers 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); Historic Kenmore and George Washington's Ferry Farm (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 29, 2026
4. Freedom, A Work in Progress / Fredericksburg, Virginia 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 34 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Clear, daylight photos of the marker and its context. • Can you help?
