Near Oak Grove in Westmoreland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
George Washington’s Birthplace
George Washington lived here only three years, but returned often during his youth and came to know Popes Creek Plantation well. The house remained in the Washington family until 1779, when it burned in a Christmas Day fire. Its exact location remained hidden under deepening soil and thickening underbrush for the next 150 years.
The white oyster shell fragments on the ground in front of you mark the foundations of the birth house.
Erected by George Washington Birthplace National Monument.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 22, 1732.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 38° 11.117′ N, 76° 55′ W. Marker was near Oak Grove, Virginia, in Westmoreland County. Marker could be reached from Popes Creek Drive ( Virginia Route 204) north of Kings Highway (Virginia Route 3). It was at the George Washington Birthplace National Monument. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Colonial Beach VA 22443, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Memorial Area (within shouting distance of this marker); Dairy (within shouting distance of this marker); Popes Creek Plantation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Artery of Commerce (about 600 feet away); The Historic Area (about 800 feet away); Explore a trail network (approx. 0.2 miles away); War in the Chesapeake (approx. 0.2 miles away); “O! say can you see…” (approx. 0.2 miles away).
More about this marker. While the property is where George Washington was born, the exact location is under review. It is now theorized that the site previously identified as the "Birthplace" might be incorrect. This led to the removal of the marker, which likely has inaccurate information.
Also see . . .
1. From Tobacco Plantation to National Shrine. “According to family tradition, ‘...Col. W. Aug W. ...was living at the birthplace in 1779 that on Christmas Day he had a company of neighbors and he with others returning from a ride at midday was first to discover the roof in a blaze, that the contents of the house were for the most part saved, a severe frost prevailing at the time enabled him to haul the furniture with oxen across Popes Creek on the ice to be sheltered in a house...and that the supposition as to the origin of the fire was that a spark from the chimney had blown through the garret window to a pile of cotton in the seed stored in the garret.’ ” (Submitted on October 4, 2009.)
2. George Washington Birthplace National Monument. Website of the National Park Service. (Submitted on August 8, 2010.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,286 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on January 8, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. submitted on October 4, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 16, 17. submitted on August 8, 2010, by Patrick G. Jordan of Graham, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.