Near Fredericksburg in Stafford County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
George Washington’s Childhood Home
The Washington family moved to a plantation here in 1738 when George Washington was six years old. Along with his three brothers and sister, young Washington spent most of his early life here, where, according to popular fable, he cut down his father’s cherry tree and uttered the immortal words, “I cannot tell a lie.” His father, Augustine, died here in 1743, leaving the property to him. His mother, Mary Ball Washington, lived here until 1772 when she moved to a house in Fredericksburg that Washington bought for her.
Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number J-61.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Arts, Letters, Music • Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the George Washington Slept Here series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1738.
Location. 38° 17.831′ N, 77° 26.864′ W. Marker is near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Stafford County. Marker is at the intersection of Kings Highway (Virginia Route 3) and Georg Washington Way, on the right when traveling east on Kings Highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 268 Kings Hwy, Fredericksburg VA 22405, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Creek Delegation in Fredericksburg (within shouting distance of this marker); Enslaved Quarter (approx. 0.2 miles away); Root Cellar (approx. 0.2 miles away); George Washington Boyhood Home Site (approx. ¼ mile away); Fredericksburg's Wharves and Harbor (approx. 0.3 miles away); George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fredericksburg City Dock (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Fredericksburg City Dock (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Also see . . .
1. Historic Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm. The George Washington Foundation website entry (Submitted on July 15, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia.)
2. Video: Greatest Heroes In History - George Washington (Part 1 of 3). A three part history of George Washington hosted on YouTube. (Submitted on February 13, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
3. Video: Greatest Heroes In History - George Washington (Part 2 of 3). Part two of a three part history of George Washington hosted on YouTube. (Submitted on February 13, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
4. Video: Greatest Heroes In History - George Washington (Part 3 of 3). Conclusion of a three part history of George Washington hosted on YouTube. (Submitted on February 13, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,847 times since then and 67 times this year. Last updated on September 27, 2022, by Mason Newton of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 15, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on April 28, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on July 15, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.