Fredericksburg, VA Attractions

The City Dock located in Fredericksburg dates from George Washington's days, but today it is a pleasant place to fish, rest, and relax. The City Dock is located near the end of Sophia Street, just over the railroad tracks.

The Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center displays a wide range of historical items and artwork. Furniture, house hold items, military items, weapons, currency and more are on display. The Fredericksburg Area Museum is located in the 1816 Old Town Hall/Market House.

The current Fredericksburg Baptist Church was completed in 1855. It was used as a hospital during the Civil War and also suffered extensive damage. Following the war the, as the citizens of Fredericksburg returned and began rebuilding their lives, the community restored the church and once again resumed service.

The Fredericksburg Confederate Cemetery is, as the name suggests, filled with Confederate soldiers. It was begun in 1867 with the soldiers re-interred. Many of the soldiers burried in the Confederate Cemetery are unknown.

The Fredericksburg Courthouse is a Gothic Revival style building, unmistakable for huge tower that dominates over the building. The courthouse was built in the 1850s and should not be missed by anyone passing through Fredericksburg.

Fredericksburg National Cemetery was created in 1865 to honor Federal Soldiers. The majority of soliders buried here are Union Soldiers and most of them are unknown.

Visitors can tour Gari Melchers Home and Studio in Fredericksburg to see this artists works as well as what was his home and studio. Gari Melchers was a figure painter from the early 20th Century. The home contains a large collection of his work.

This bronze statue of Hugh Mercer, by Edward V. Valentine, erected in 1906. Mercer was a general in the Revolutionary War and was killed at the Battle of Princeton in January 12, 1777.

George Washington was born in 1732 on the estate of Popes Creek, on the banks of the Potomac (east of Fredericksburg on VA 3). The house in which he was born no longer exists, but his life story is vividly presented in an 18th c. farmhouse.
This 550-acre memorial to George Washington includes the family cemetery and brick foundation of the home he was born in. It also offers an area for picnics and a beach on the Potomac River.

The George Washington Masonic Museum located in Fredericksburg provides visitors with the information and history of George Washington. One of the museum's highlights is a portrait of George Washington by the artist Gilbert Stuart.

Ferry Farm is the boyhood home of George Washington. Augustine Washington moved his family to this property in 1738, when his son, George, was six years old. George received his formal education during his years here, and forged friendships in the neighborhood that lasted the rest of his life. In 1754, George moved to Mount Vernon while his mother, Mary Ball Washington, stayed on at the farm until 1772, when she moved to Fredericksburg.

Hugh Mercer's Apothecary Shop in Fredericksburg has an interesting supply of remedies from the 18th Century. Visitors are entertained by Mr. Mercer's assistants as they demonstrate the way ailments used to be treated. On display are various tools of the trade.

The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library in Fredericksburg is a tribute the fifth president of the United States. On display at the museum are some of his personal possessions, furniture, documents, photos, and more.

The Kirkland Monument located in Fredericksburg is dedicated to a 19-year-old Confederate Sergeant, Richard Kirkland. He is remembered for his heroic endeavors to bring water to the dying and injured soldiers at the battle of Fredericksburg on Dec 13, 1862. The Kirkland Monument is a life-size reenactment of Sergeant Kirkland giving water to an injured soldier. The statue is located across the street from the Fredericksburg National Cemetery.

A 40-meter granite obelisk marks the Mary Washington Grave and Monument. It is located near Meditation Rock a place that the great woman used to read and be alone with her thoughts. President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Mary Washington Grave and Monument in 1894.

Mary Washington House in Fredericksburg was purchased by George Washington in 1772 for his mother Mary Washington who lived her until her death. The home has been restored and displays some of her personal possessions are on display.

The Masonic Cemetery located in Fredericksburg was deeded to the city in 1784 and contains several hundred gravestones, some of which are still legible. The cemetery is located next to the Masonic Lodge #4 AF & AM and the James Munroe Museum and is noted with a historical marker.

Located in Fredericksburg's National Bank building, known for being one of the oldest continuously operating banks in the US, is the National Bank Museum. The museum explores the history of the building and of Fredericksburg.

The Old Stone Warehouse is located in Fredericksburg. This structure built in the 1800's was once a major storage structure for the trade that flowed through town. Over the years the Old Stone Warehouse has served many purposes from a jail to a morgue.

The Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg has a commanding downtown presence in the city of Fredericksburg. The main building is fronted by large columns and complemented by beautiful stained glass windows. The church is very active with adult, youth, and outreach programs. Visitors are always welcome to stop by at any time.

The Rising Sun Tavern in Fredericksburg has had several incarnations throughout its history. It was originally a home, a tavern, and is now a historical museum. Costumed interpreters interact with visitors and a jolly time is had by all.

Silversmith's House has an interesting history. Originally built by silversmith James Brown, this wonderful structure now acts as one of Fredericksburg's prominent art galleries. The home is half-timbered and clapboard structure and was built in and around 1785. The home was slated for demolition in the early 1960's but was saved by the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation. The home provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of a prominent tradesman in the late 18th Century.

Visitors interested in the plight of the slave in the 17th and 18th Century will be fascinated by the history surrounding the Fredericksburg Slave Auction Block. The block is actually quite small measuring only 3 feet high and made from sandstone. Many historical sources claim it was on the top of this block where slaves stood when being auctioned off. The block is located at the corner of William and Charles streets.

St George's Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg is unmistakable with its central tower and three red doors that form the entrance of the church. Inside note the impressive organ in the rear gallery, and the stained glass windows above the altar.

St James' House in Fredricksburg is a beautifully restored "gentlemen's cottage". The home is furnished with period pieces and done up in the styles of the time. Note that the home is privately owned and only open two weeks a year.

The Thomas Jefferson Religious Freedom Monument located in Fredericksburg is a testament to one man's convictions to his cause. The Thomas Jefferson Religious Freedom Monument was first unveiled in 1932 and moved to its present location at Washington Avenue Mall at Pitt Street in 1977. The monument consists of small obelisk made of hewn stone blocks.