Founded in 1728 and incorporated in 1781, Fredericksburg predates the birth of the United States. That being said, this Virginia city offers a vast range of historical sites and monuments for those visiting America’s Most Historic City.
With the leaves beginning to change and the weather getting significantly cooler, now is the time to start planning your outdoor historic adventures!
In this post, we go over our favorite sites to visit within the city, all a quick walk from downtown Fredericksburg’s Winchester Parking Deck, one of the only parking garages in downtown.
Parking Near Fredericksburg Historical Sites
Opened in October 2020, the Winchester Street Parking Deck is located behind the Liberty Place commercial building at 607 Williams Street to offer secure and safe parking.
Not only does the garage offer an ample 321 spaces for parking, but it also offers a prime location to begin your historic adventures.
Surrounded by a myriad of historical sites that range from Confederate and Masonic cemeteries to Colonial plantations and courthouses, historical museums, battlefields, 18th century apothecaries and more, Fredericksburg is a must-see town for history enthusiasts.
1. Fredericksburg’s Confederate Cemetery
Located at Washington Ave, Fredericksburg’s Confederate Cemetery is dedicated to the 3,353 Confederates who died during America’s Civil War. The soldiers buried here hailed from the fourteen Southern states, with some identities of the soldiers still unknown.
Headstones are made of Georgian marble and a life-sized zinc statue with a granite base, built in 1884, was erected to the “Confederate Dead”.
With six Confederate Generals and 2,184 unknown burials, this cemetery is a historical memorial to those who lost their lives during a turbulent war.
Address – 1000 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Walking distance from parking – 3 minutes
2. James Monroe Museum
Dedicated to the life of the country’s fifth president, the James Monroe Museum offers materials and exhibits on the study, interpretation and presentation of James Monroe’s life. This museum is home to the country’s largest collection of documents and artifacts related to Monroe.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this museum opened in 1927 and displays personal collections of artifacts and information that have been handed down through generations of the Monroe family.
While famous for his presidency and being a Founding Father, Monroe held a 50-year public service career including combat in the Revolutionary War.
The museum demonstrates his life through his acts of exemplified leadership, dedication and courage towards representative government.
Address – 908 Charles St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Walking distance from parking – 4 minutes
3. Fredericksburg Old Masonic Cemetery
Especially gorgeous in the Autumn, the Fredericksburg Masonic Cemetery is a dedicated burial ground for former Masons in the Fredericksburg area.
Maintained by the members of the Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge, where George Washington became a Mason, this cemetery includes 200+ graves of Masons that range from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and beyond.
Address – Corner of George & Charles St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Walking distance from parking – 5 minutes
4. Kenmore Plantation and Gardens
This beautiful 18th Century Georgian-style brick mansion was built by George Washington’s sister, Betty Washington Lewis and her husband, Fielding Lewis in 1776. The Kenmore Plantation, the land on which the Kenmore Mansion lives, is 1,300 acres and is a testament to the pre-Revolutionary War wealth and gentry status.
Within the plantation, you will find 18th Century furniture and accessories for visitors to feel as though they have entered a time machine.
Managed by the George Washington foundation, visitors can have a 1-2 hour tour with interactive activities that tell of the Lewis Family’s wartime sacrifices.
Address – 1201 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Walking distance from parking – 5 minutes
5. Mary Washington House
Purchased in 1772 by George Washington, this residence was home to his mother, Mary Washington. Before his inauguration in 1789, George Washington came to the house to first receive his mother’s blessing before becoming president of the United States.
This home is within walking distance of the Kenmore and is maintained by the George Washington Foundation.
In 1890, the house was saved from destruction and has since undergone some restoration and is readily open to the public.
Address – 1200 Charles St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Walking distance from parking – 5 minutes
6. Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Presenting a vivid living history and interpretation of Colonial medical practices, the Hugh Mercer Apothecary offers approximately a 45 minute visit to hear about the popular medical treatments of the 18th Century.
From leeches and lancets to crab claws and snakeroots, this 1772 apothecary serves as a museum of medicine, pharmacy and military and political affairs. In memory of Dr. Mercer, the shop pays homage to the medicines, treatments and remedies Hugh Mercer supplied the citizens of Fredericksburg.
Address – 1020 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Walking distance from parking – 6 minutes
7. The Rising Sun Tavern
Built in the 1760s by George Washington’s brother, Charles Washington, this tavern originally served its purpose as Charles’ private residence. Once sold outside of the Washington family, the building was leased out as a tavern in 1792.
Operating for 35 years as a stopover for travelers through the bustling town of Fredericksburg, The Rising Sun Tavern now has tourists immersed in late 18th Century life when they walk through the door.
Still furnished with 18th century artifacts, this tavern maintains the original structure from when it was built and showcases the life of bygone visitors.
Address – 1304 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Walking distance from parking – 9 minutes
8. George Washington’s Ferry Farm
Considered the place where George Washington became the extraordinary man he was known for, George Washington’s Ferry Farm was home to 6 year old George in 1738. The guided tour offered at the Ferry Farm takes visitors through the lives of both George and his mother, as well as the other Washington family members.
With the grounds open before and after the house tour, visitors can explore the exhibits that recount the life, and the adversity faced, of the Washington family.
Address – 268 Kings Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Walking distance from parking – 30 minutes
Visit Fredericksburg For Historic Galore
Located near the Rappahannock River and a prominent Virginia port during the colonial era, Fredericksburg offers a taste of history for those traveling through and living in the historic city.
Whether you want to go through a tour on the lives of the Washington family, visit Masonic cemeteries or observe old taverns, Fredericksburg is the city for you. With all historic sites within a comfortable walking distance from downtown’s parking garage, you can explore many areas of historical significance for not only the state of Virginia but the history of the nation.
Contact us today to find your next parking spot!