George Washington’s Ferry Farm – Picture of the Week

Source: US Global Legal Monitor

As the country celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through various America 250 events nationwide, I decided it would be a great time to be a tourist locally in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Known most famously for the Battle of Fredericksburg during the Civil War, the city is steeped in history. Across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg, in what was once King George County but is now Stafford County, sits Ferry Farm – the boyhood home of George Washington from age 6 until young adulthood. Tourists can walk the grounds of the house and tour the rebuilt Washington home, completed in 2018 following the 2008 archaeological discovery of the original house’s foundation. Archaeologists are currently excavating the land around the original home to see if they can recover the foundations of several smaller buildings that evidence suggests were there.

The rebuilt Washington House from the front. The front of the house faces the Rappahannock River and overlooks downtown Fredericksburg, VA. Picture courtesy of Taylor Gulatsi.

Additionally, there are two Washington family residences that tourists can explore when visiting Fredericksburg. One being Historic Kenmore, which was built for George’s sister, Betty, and her husband, Fielding Lewis, in 1775.

The Historic Kenmore Mansion in Fredericksburg, VA. Picture courtesy of Taylor Gulatsi.

George purchased the Mary Washington House in 1772 for his mother, which is within walking distance of Historic Kenmore. Mary lived in this home until her death, 17 years after the house was purchased.

The Mary Washington House, located in Fredericksburg, VA, was bought for Mary by George. Picture courtesy of Taylor Gulatsi.

Additionally, one could visit the Rising Sun Tavern, built by George’s youngest brother, Charles, in 1760. The home was Charles’ residence for 30 years and served as an integral location in several meetings to discuss independence from Britain. Once purchased by the Wallace family, it became an operational tavern in 1792.

The Rising Sun Tavern, which was built by Charles Washington, the youngest brother of George. Picture courtesy of Taylor Gulatsi.

If you are not able to visit Fredericksburg before the 250th, but can visit the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., you can explore the current exhibit, “The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution,” which runs through July 4, 2026. The exhibit examines the parallels between King George III and George Washington as leaders, and additionally, the similarities and differences in their interests, beliefs, and upbringing. Coincidentally, George Washington, being raised in Fredericksburg, is another underlying connection between the two Georges, as the city was named for Frederick, Prince of Wales and father of King George III.

To explore more ways to celebrate America 250 through the Library of Congress, please read the press release for celebrations.

While George Washington was not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, July 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Keep an eye out for more posts that celebrate the Declaration, the lives of its signers, and the world in which they lived.

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