Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Fredericksburg's Wharves and Harbor
Photographed by Craig Swain, December 11, 2012
1. Fredericksburg's Wharves and Harbor Marker
Illustration caption: View of Fredericksburg, VA 1856 by E. Sachse & Co., Baltimore, Maryland. The harbor is located in the lower left of the image on the far bank of the river.
The dock before you was once the site of a large wharf complex and ferry landing. From the founding of Fredericksburg in 1728, the river played a major role in the transportation of goods such as timber, flour and corn as well as passengers.
During the late 18th century, this area underwent a transformation from an informal scattering of individual docks into an organized wharf complex. The wharves once stretched from where you are standing northward to the railroad bridge.
Prior to the introduction of the railroad, the wharves were the center of commerce and transportation for the city and continued to play a major role in travel and trade throughout the 19th century.
From this site a traveler could board a vessel bound for numerous locations. A November, 1855, report in the Fredericksburg News lists New York, Boston and Portland, Maine, as cities served by vessels calling port in Fredericksburg.
Erected by University of Mary Washington.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1855.
Location. 38° 17.781′ N, 77° 27.185′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Sophia Street and
this page online
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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: George Washingtons Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm (here, next to this marker); Washington's Boyhood Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Eyewitness To Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); Rocky Lane (within shouting distance of this marker); No Outlet (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Slave Ship Othello (about 300 feet away); The Middle Passage (about 300 feet away); The Sentry Box (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Other markers no longer nearby. Fredericksburg City Dock (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Fredericksburg City Dock (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Fredericksburg City Dock (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Craig Swain, December 11, 2012
2. View of harbor area with railroad bridge in background
Photographed by Craig Swain
3. View across the Rappahannock River at the ferry site
The ferry site's opposite shore is on the grounds of George Washington's Boyhood Home.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2014, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,664 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2014, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
