Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Sentry Box
Photographed By Kevin W., May 10, 2008
1. The Sentry Box Marker
Inscription.
The Sentry Box (ca. 1786) is an elegant specimen of late~Georgian~style architecture. Brig. Gen. George Weedon of the Continental Army, later mayor of Fredericksburg, built the house and named it to reflect his military career. Weedon's wife, Catherine, invited the family of Gen. Hugh Mercer, who died at the Battle of Princeton, to live with them. The Mercer children later inherited the property and Confederate General Hugh Weedon Mercer was born here. In December 1862, the Union army built its middle pontoon crossing over the Rappahannock River just below the Sentry Box. Intense fighting occurred here, and the house was heavily damaged.
The Sentry Box (ca. 1786) is an elegant specimen of late~Georgian~style architecture. Brig. Gen. George Weedon of the Continental Army, later mayor of Fredericksburg, built the house and named it to reflect his military career. Weedon's wife, Catherine, invited the family of Gen. Hugh Mercer, who died at the Battle of Princeton, to live with them. The Mercer children later inherited the property and Confederate General Hugh Weedon Mercer was born here. In December 1862, the Union army built its middle pontoon crossing over the Rappahannock River just below the Sentry Box. Intense fighting occurred here, and the house was heavily damaged.
Erected 2008 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number N-31-a.)
Location. 38° 17.729′ N, 77° 27.243′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker is on Caroline Street near Dixon Street (Business U.S. 17), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or
Click or scan to see this page online
near this postal address: 133 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
4. The Sentry Box was built in 1786 by Gen. George Weedon
In this February 2008 photograph, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources marker had yet be dedicated. The pole is visible, awaiting the sign's installation.
Photographed By Kevin W., February 2, 2008
5. The Sentry Box (View from the Rappahanock River)
Photographed By Kevin W., February 2, 2008
6. The Sentry Box National Register Marker
This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places
By the United States Department of the Interior
Photographed By Kevin W., February 2, 2008
7. Historic Fredericksburg Foundation plaque on the house
Historic Fredericksburg Foundation
The Sentry Box
1786
Built by Gen. George Weedon
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,853 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 14, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 2, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.