Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Masonic Cemetery
Fredericksburg: Timeless.
Photographed By Kevin W., August 20, 2010
1. Masonic Cemetery Marker
The Masons of Fredericksburg Lodge #4, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, organized as a lodge in 1752. They established this cemetery in 1784 and there are now approximately 270 graves within these grounds. Most are members and family members of the original lodge, but along the wall are the reinterred remains of the American Masonic Lodge #63, which had splintered off from Lodge #4, in 1799, but which did not last as an organization beyond the Civil War.
The many graves within the sandstone walls reflect the population that was part of Fredericksburg’s early development. Burials include people who came to Fredericksburg from England, Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, as well as from other American towns such as Boston. Numerous members of the Lodge also fought in the American Revolution. The Masons clearly helped to found a community as well as establish a nation.
Erected by Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism Office.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Fredericksburg: Timeless. series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1752.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Masonic Cemetery (here, next to this marker); Revolutionary War Patriots and War of 1812 Veterans Memorialized in this Historic Masonic Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); The James Monroe Law Office - Museum and Memorial Library (within shouting distance of this marker); Rose Gouverneur Hoes / Laurence Gouverneur Hoes (within shouting distance of this marker); James Monroe 1758 - 1831 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1833 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of Clara Barton (about 300 feet away); Great Exodus From Bondage (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
More about this marker. The marker features portraits of four notable Masons buried in the cemetery:
Colonel Fielding Lewis established an iron forge in Fredericksburg during the American Revolution, where damaged weapons could be repaired and new ones manufactured.
A veteran of the French and Indian War, William Woodford commanded
Photographed By Kevin W., August 20, 2010
2. Portraits on the Masonic Cemetery Marker
Brigadier General George Wheedon was a veteran of the French and Indian War and commanded Continental troops as well as Virginia militia. His force blocked a British breakout, at Gloucester Point, during the Yorktown campaign.
Hugh Mercer soldiered in Scotland for the exiled Charles Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie). He met Washington on the Pennsylvania frontier during the French and Indian War and joined the American forces when the Revolution came. He was mortally wounded at Princeton, in 1777.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker which has different text.
Also see . . . Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 AF&AM. Website homepage:
Welcome to Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge, Mother Lodge of George Washington and many other heroes of the American Revolution. (Submitted on May 30, 2011, by Shelby Chandler of Fredericksburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Kevin W., August 20, 2010
3. Map on the Masonic Cemetery Marker
This 1878 map shows the original Masonic Cemetery, labeled as “Old Cemetery (Closed).” Also shown is the American Lodge cemetery, noted as “Masonic Cemetery,” on the west side fo the Public Square (now called Hurkamp Park) and the buildings along Charles Street that are also visible in the photo.
Photographed By Kevin W., August 20, 2010
4. Photograph on the Masonic Cemetery Marker
Sometime during the 1880s, a photographer climbed the steeple of St. George’s Church, two blocks to your right, and exposed this image. The Masonic Cemetery is clearly visible, although the gate is blocked by a building (since demolished) on Charles Street.
Photographed By Kevin W., August 20, 2010
5. Picture on the Masonic Cemetery Marker
George Washington grew to manhood in Fredericksburg and became a member of the local Masonic Lodge the year it was founded.
Photographed By Kevin W., August 20, 2010
6. Masonic Cemetery and Marker
Photographed By Kevin W., August 20, 2010
7. Masonic Cemetery from the Marker
Photographed By Kevin W., August 20, 2010
8. Masonic Cemetery Gates
Photographed By Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge, May 29, 2006
9. Freemasons of Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge at Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on September 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,505 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on August 24, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 9. submitted on May 30, 2011, by Shelby Chandler of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
