Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Sentry Box

Photographed by Kevin W., May 10, 2008

1. The Sentry Box Marker

Inscription. The Sentry Box (ca. 1786) is an elegant specimen of late~Georgian~style architecture. Brig. Gen. George Weedon of the Continental Army, later mayor of Fredericksburg, built the house and named it to reflect his military career. Weedon's wife, Catherine, invited the family of Gen. Hugh Mercer, who died at the Battle of Princeton, to live with them. The Mercer children later inherited the property and Confederate General Hugh Weedon Mercer was born here. In December 1862, the Union army built its middle pontoon crossing over the Rappahannock River just below the Sentry Box. Intense fighting occurred here, and the house was heavily damaged.

Erected 2008 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number N-31-a.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1862.

Location. 38° 17.729′ N, 77° 27.243′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It is on Caroline Street near Dixon Street (Business U.S. 17), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 133 Caroline Street, 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 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.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rocky Lane (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Rocky Lane (about 300 feet away); 1851 (about 300 feet away); Washington's Boyhood Home (about 400 feet away); Eyewitness To Battle (about 400 feet away); 1787 (about 400 feet away); Fredericksburg's Wharves and Harbor (about 400 feet away); George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Fredericksburg City Dock (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Fredericksburg City Dock (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Fredericksburg City Dock (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Kevin W., May 10, 2008

2. The Sentry Box Marker

The Sentry Box image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., February 2, 2008

3. The Sentry Box

The Sentry Box was built in 1786 by Gen. George Weedon image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., February 2, 2008

4. The Sentry Box was built in 1786 by Gen. George Weedon

In this February 2008 photograph, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources marker had yet be dedicated. The pole is visible, awaiting the sign's installation.

The Sentry Box <i>(View from the Rappahanock River) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., February 2, 2008

5. The Sentry Box (View from the Rappahanock River)

Photographed by Kevin W., February 2, 2008

6. The Sentry Box National Register Marker
This property has been placed on the
National Register of Historic Places
By the United States Department of the Interior

Photographed by Kevin W., February 2, 2008

7. Historic Fredericksburg Foundation plaque on the house
Historic Fredericksburg Foundation
The Sentry Box
1786
Built by Gen. George Weedon

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,375 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 14, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 2, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.