Fredericksburg Attractions
Featured Attractions
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
America's Battleground
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania--this is America's battleground, where the Civil War roared to its bloody climax. No place more vividly reflects the War's tragic cost in all its forms. A town bombarded and looted. Farms large and small ruined. Refugees by the thousands forced into the countryside. More than 85,000 men wounded; 15,000 killed--most in graves unknown.
George Washington's Boyhood home at Ferry Farm
George Washington was 6 years old in 1738 when his family moved to a farm in Stafford County, Virginia. The Washingtons called this place the Home Farm but it later became known as Ferry Farm because people crossed the Rappahannock River on a ferry from the farm to the town of Fredericksburg. The Washingtons did not own or operate the ferry but used it frequently to get to and from town.
A visit to Ferry Farm starts in the Visitor Center where there are displays of colonial and Civil War artifacts found on the property and the archaeology lab, where archaeologists can usually be seen working Monday through Friday.
After leaving the Visitor Center, guests can enjoy the gardens that feature plants grown in the 18th century. Then it's on to exploring the rest of the grounds (approximately 80 acres). On this self-guided tour, visitors can see the site where the Washington house stood overlooking the Rappahannock River, walk down the old ferry road, enjoy the hiking trails, and watch for birds in the Wild Meadow.
Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg Virginia is America's most historic city. Enjoy an entertaining and informative tour of Fredericksburg aboard the trolley. Learn about the many famous and interesting people and events that have taken place since the city was established in 1728. If you listen closely, you may even pick up a few amusing and not-so-well known facts about the people and places that you will see along the way! The kind of things you won't learn just walking around on your own. After your tour, you will have a better idea of the local history and the many attractions Fredericksburg has to offer. You will also have a better idea of where you want to start as you go back to visit the many living history museums, homes and businesses of people like George Washington, Mary Washington, James Monroe, Rising Sun Tavern, Fredericksburg's only proper tavern and the former home of Charles Washington, Dr. Hugh Mercer's apothecary shop, the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, Kenmore Plantation and many more.