George Washington Birthplace

History of Virginia and America

The George Washington birthplace, on the Northern Neck Virginia, is one of the most popular historic sites here.

When you visit the childhood home of Washington, you see the history of Virginia come alive.

In fact, as you go through the house and grounds, you will meet people who are re-enacting what they would have done on the plantation, when George was little.

Virginia History Comes Alive

The actual house of Washington’s birth was destroyed by fire and flood on Christmas Day in 1779, and the current Memorial House was built to approximate what a typical upper class home would have been like.

Right next to this Memorial House is the actual site of the original house, outlined in the ground by crushed oyster shells.

Washington lived at this home until he was somewhere between three and six years old (The story varies.), spending the rest of his childhood at Ferry Farm.

When Washington was born, the plantation was known as Popes Creek Plantation.

Experience a Colonial Farm

• George Washington Monument - This monument looks just like the original Washington Monument in Washington D.C., but it is 1/10 the size of the original. The monument is made from marble from Vermont.

• The Memorial House - Right next to the actual place where Washington was born, this house, designed by Edward Donn. Jr., was constructed to represent buildings built at the time. We don’t know what the original building actually looked like. The home is made from hand-made bricks, which were made from local clay. It was built in 1931.

• Furnishings in the house - Most of the furnishings in the home are true antiques and they are more than 200 years old.
  
  Photo courtesy of valeehill

  

  Washington Birthplace dining room
  
  

• Colonial farm - You will see period farm buildings, livestock typical of the time, gardens with heirloom plants grown at that time and crops of wheat and tobacco.

• Hiking trails and picnic grounds - Plan to enjoy at least one of these interesting and fun hiking trails. And bring along a picnic lunch so that you can fully enjoy the plantation grounds while you’re there.

While you could spend a whole day at the George Washington birthplace, you might want to combine this visit with a visit to Stratford Hall, the birthplace of General Robert E Lee—just 7 miles away.

George Washington Birthplace to Northern Neck Virginia

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