Near Winchester in Frederick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

George Washington in Winchester

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 25, 2007

1. George Washington in Winchester Marker

Inscription. In Mar. 1748, George Washington first visited Winchester, then known as Fredericktown, as a surveyor for Lord Fairfax. Washington purchased property in Winchester in 1753 and was an unsuccessful candidate for a House of Burgesses seat here in 1755. Winchester served as Washington’s headquarters from 1755 to 1758 while he commanded Virginia troops on the western frontier during the French and Indian War. He was also involved with the construction of Fort Loudoun here and a series of other frontier forts authorized by the Virginia General Assembly during this period. He represented Frederick County in the Virginia House of Burgesses from 1758 to 1765.

Erected 2005 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number Q 4c.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, the George Washington Slept Here, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1748.

Location. 39° 12.1′ N, 78° 9.31′ W. Marker is near Winchester, Virginia, in Frederick County. Marker is at the intersection of Martinsburg Pike (U.S. 11) and Brooke Road (Local Route 1322), on the right

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when traveling south on Martinsburg Pike. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 922 Martinsburg Pike, Winchester VA 22603, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Collier (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Fort Collier (within shouting distance of this marker); 2nd Battle of Winchester / 3rd Battle of Winchester (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 2nd Battle of Winchester (about 300 feet away); 3rd Battle of Winchester (about 300 feet away); Lt. Collier’s Earthworks (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Collier (about 500 feet away); The Cavalry Charge at Fort Collier (about 600 feet away); Third Battle of Winchester (about 600 feet away); Second Battle of Winchester (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winchester.

More about this marker. This marker replaced a marker with this same title and number erected in the late 1920s or early 1930s that read on the front, “George Washington began his career here in 1748 as surveyor to Lord Fairfax. Here he had his headquarters as commander on the Virginia frontier against the French and Indians, 1755-1758. Here he built Fort Loudoun, and was a member of the House of Burgesses for this county, 1758–1761.” On the

Virginia State Markers Standing Along US 11 At North Entrance to Winchester image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 25, 2007

2. Virginia State Markers Standing Along US 11 At North Entrance to Winchester

back was, “Winchester — At first called Fredericktown, it was founded in 1744, near a Shawnee Indian village, by Colonel James Wood, a native of the English city of Winchester. The town was situated in Lord Fairfax’s proprietary of the Northern Neck. It was chartered in 1752.”

Regarding George Washington in Winchester. Separate historical markers detail George Washington’s Lot, his office, and Fort Loudoun.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

George Washington's Lot image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 25, 2007

3. George Washington's Lot

Downtown at the corner of Braddock Street and Fairfax Lane is the plot of land purchased by Washington. A separate marker details the lot and its history.

George Washington's Office image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 26, 2007

4. George Washington's Office

Downtown at the corner of Braddock and Cork Streets stands George Washington's office, used while he supervised the frontier defenses.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,701 times since then and 70 times this year. Last updated on September 23, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 3, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.