Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Welcome to Fredericksburg, Va
Stone Tools to Seltzer Bottles
Photographed By Craig Swain, December 13, 2008
1. Welcome to Fredericksburg, Va Marker
Commuters and rail passengers hurry to their trains over asphalt paving that is only the most recent layer in Fredericksburg's history. These travelers cross over prehistoric work sites, eighteenth-century shops and dwellings, a Civil War battleground, and the debris and fill left by the twentieth-century railroad that continues to tie the City to neighboring communities and the nation at large.
Fredericksburg's preparation to provide commuter rail service presented the opportunity to explore a portion of this area's history. At the City's request, the Center for Historic Preservation at Mary Washington College conducted an archaeological and historical assessment of two City blocks at the railroad station. They recovered artifacts representing the period from 4000 BC, when the Rappahannock valley's early inhabitants occupied this area, to 1992, when the parking lot was paved.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 38° 17.888′ N, 77° 27.391′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker is on Frederick Street, on the right when traveling west. Located at the commuter parking area for the Fredericksburg Virginia Railway Express / AMTRAK terminal. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fredericksburg's Rail Station (within shouting distance of this marker); John Paul Jones House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); c. 1821 (about 300 feet away); 1841 (about 300 feet away); c. 1787 (about 300 feet away); c. 1803 (about 400 feet away); 1801 (about 400 feet away); 1787 (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
More about this marker. The marker's background is a photo of a train crossing the Rappahannock rail bridge. At the bottom are photos of various artifacts found during excavations.
Photographed By Craig Swain, December 13, 2008
2. Welcome to Fredericksburg, Va Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, December 13, 2008
3. The Fredericksburg Train Station
Photographed By Craig Swain, December 13, 2008
4. Railroad Bridge over the Rappahannock
A 19th century railroad bridge ran across the river near the same point as this modern bridge. The original bridge was destroyed during the Civil War.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,215 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
