1732 Popes Creek Rd, Washington's Birthplace, VA 22443
Phone: 804-224-1732 or 804-224-1779
Fax: 804-224-2142
Open All Year
Overview. George Washington was born in 1732 to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. He grew up on prosperous estates near the Potomac River, and his childhood studies consisted of surveying, the classics, mathematics, and good manners.When Augustine died in 1743, young George was to spend time at his half brother Augustine Jr.'s plantation, Pope's Creek, where he took surveying lessons from Mr. Williams of Mattox Creek. George was later sent to Mt. Vernon plantation to live with his oldest half brother, Lawrence. Lawrence's wife, Anne, was a member of the prominent Fairfax family, whose influence gave George his start in politics. Before his political life, Washington worked as a surveyor and helped to lay out what is now the town of Alexandria and Culpeper County. Lord Fairfax appointed him to survey the family's property in the Shenandoah Valley. When Lawrence died of tuberculosis in 1752, the estate was turned over to George. The turning point of Washington's political career came during the French and Indian War, when he was sent on a mission to warn French commanders against encroaching on British territory. Washington published an account of the mission and gained widespread recognition. In 1758, after the French and Indian War was over, Washington returned to his estate and made much-needed repairs. He refurbished and restored most of the buildings and planted new crops, such as tobacco. He entered politics with the help of influential friends, married, and was eventually named as the commander-in-chief of the Continental forces. Today, the 538-acre estate features tobacco fields and livestock. Washington's birth home burned down in 1779, but a memorial house was built in its place and furnished with period pieces. A kitchen and other outbuildings have also been constructed on the property and the landscape features a grove of old cedar trees, creeks, and the Potomac River. What to see and do. A visitor center, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, offers interpretive tours, exhibits, and a film. Rangers in period costume give demonstrations and are available to conduct tours; call ahead for details. A collection of 18th-century jewelry, ceramics, and other artifacts excavated at the site are also on display. You can take self-guided tours along nature trails or spend time at the Potomac River beach front area (no swimming allowed). Washington's birthday and Christmas are two big events at the site, with special events and festivities through the summer months. Call for further information. The monument is located along the Potomac River, 38 miles east of Fredericksburg. Pets are not permitted. Handicapped-accessible facilities are available.
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