If you like learning about and exploring American history, visiting the state of Virginia is likely already on your bucket list.
Although most people’s first association with this area is likely Williamsburg or that it’s just a stop on the way to DC, there’s one commonly overlooked town that can offer a truly unique historical experience – Fredericksburg.
With a wide variety of historical sites and attractions, this town is heaven for colonial history lovers. Pack all the clothes you’re gonna need and get ready to explore a crucial part of our nation’s history by visiting some of the top spots for history buffs in Fredericksburg, VA.
Why visit Fredericksburg?
Before we get into our list of the top spots for history buffs in Fredericksburg, let’s first discuss why you should visit this place and how to enjoy it best.
Firstly, we believe the best way to enjoy Fredericksburg is to visit it on a day trip as part of a larger vacation. That way, you can fill your day to the brim with historical site exploration and fun educational experiences without committing to only staying there.
Secondly, let’s discuss some of the key benefits that visiting Fredericksburg can bring to different demographics:
- Families – Fredericksburg is generally a very family-friendly town with many fun activities for adults and small children. That way, you can ensure that they won’t get bored, even if the trip includes some educational activities.
- Solo history buffs – If you’re flying solo, you can rely on the rich history of Fredericksburg to entertain you without the need for constant companionship.
- People planning to move to Fredericksburg – If you’re planning to move to Fredericksburg, visiting historical sites is a great way to get to know the area and the locals and prepare your family for the move. After that, all that’s left would be to pack your stuff, reach out to local experts and relocate.
Ferry Farm
Ferry Farm is the perfect start to your historical tour of Fredericksburg. She lived from six to twenty-two in George Washington’s childhood home.
After the home’s original foundation was discovered in 2003, a new building was constructed, almost perfectly replicating the original home.
Today when you visit Ferry Farm, you will be led through a detailed tour telling the story of the life of Washington and his family.
If you’re a travel lover, you’re probably used to always having at least a few travel gadgets and tech with you. But, when you visit this place, you’ll get a chance to see what it was like before any of that was possible.
This is especially true because you’ll get to interact with the home by sitting at the dining room table, picking up items, and even laying down on the bed. Since everything in the home is technically a replica, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in colonial living fully.
Mary Washington House
In 1772 George Washington bought his mother, a house in Fredericksburg. Today it’s known as the Mary Washington House. Mary spent the last few years of her life in this house.
It’s conveniently located near Kenmore, where she could visit her daughter.
Since its restoration, Mary Washington House has served as a museum and time capsule. It allows visitors to peek into of life of the woman behind one of our nation’s greatest. And they can learn more about America’s earliest history.
Since this is one of the top spots for history buffs in the downtown area, it’s also an excellent opportunity for those who want to get to know the area better before moving here.
After walking around Mary Washington House for a while, experts from helixmoveva.com recommend visiting one of the local bars and hang-out spots to network and get a feel for the area before taking the plunge.
Rising Sun Tavern
Another entertaining and interactive historical spot to visit in Fredericksburg is the Rising Sun Tavern. Before it was a tavern, it was a home built by George Washington’s younger brother Charles. He built it around 1760, but in 1792 they transformed it into the Rising Sun Tavern.
Since people treated Fredericksburg as the halfway point between Richmond and DC, the tavern offered a resting stop for travelers for around 35 years.
Today you can go on one of the organized tours around the tavern. Costumed docents will guide you through it. They will help you learn about the unique furnishings of the tavern and some common tavern-going customs from the period.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
One of Fredericksburg’s most exciting colonial attractions is the Hugh Mercer apothecary shop. This is where Dr. Mercer practiced medicine for 15 years before joining the revolutionary war.
Today it is a time capsule of colonial medicine. You can expect costumed staff to bring the shop to life when you visit. They will explain some of the methods and ingredients used in medicine from this era.
If nothing else, seeing a jar of leeches and learning about how they were used in medicine for bloodletting should make you appreciate 21st-century medicine a lot more.
This is also the perfect place to take some artistic selfies. The shelves in this place are adorned with beautiful antique apothecary jars filled with medicinal ingredients from the time.
It’s also a great time to catch up on your souvenir shopping wish list.
To wrap up
Visiting Fredericksburg is an excellent idea for anyone who enjoys learning about American history. Sadly, it’s common for history buffs to overlook it. Mainly because it doesn’t have as much of a reputation as some of the surrounding historical towns.
It has many important historical spots and attractions and a rich story. This town should be a stop on everyone’s historical road trip. Additionally, most of the attractions are interactive in one way or another.
So, you can also always be sure that your kids won’t get bored when visiting them. Remember that these are just some of our favorite recommendations.
There are plenty more spots for history buffs in Fredericksburg to discover during your visit to this fantastic town.
