It all began at Ferry Farm.
July 2021, we had the opportunity to visit Ferry Farm. It’s across the Rappahannock river from downtown Fredericksburg. Ferry Farm’s front entrance faces the river. After your visit, you can head to the City Dock to snap a great photo.
Ferry Farm sure has changed since my last visit several years ago. There’s now a replica of the house. The remains of the house were discovered in 2008. The replica house was completed in 2018 and opened to the public.
George Washington was only 6 years old when his family moved to King George County (now Stafford County), Virginia, in 1738. It was here Washington received his formal education and taught himself surveying. Washington inherited the farm and lived in the house until his early 20s. Mary Washington lived here until 1772 when she moved to a house in Fredericksburg that Washington bought for her.
After leaving the Visitor Center, you can enjoy the gardens, that feature plants grown in the 18th century, as you make your way down the path to the actual replica home. The house is built directly over the archaeological remains of the original house.
Since everything in this home is a replica, you are free to touch, pick up, or sit on anything. Well, that was the case until Covid. Hopefully, this fully interactive part of the tour will be back soon.
After the tour, you can explore the rest of the grounds–approximately 80 acres. Follow the stairs down to the Rappahannock River, walk along the older ferry road, enjoy the trails, and look for birds. You may be able to watch ongoing excavations. Unfortunately, it was a stormy day when we visited, so no work was going on outside.
Don’t forget to look at the exhibits inside the Visitor Center. Be sure to peek in the archaeology lab to see what they’re working on. The exhibit panels explain the current project.
Before you leave pick up something at the small gift shop.
Ferry Farm really is a great place to teach the kids some history while having fun!
268 Kings Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
M – Sat: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: Noon – 5:00 pm
Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve and during all of January and February.
Arrive 10-min. early to check-in at the Visitors Center and walk to the Washington house.
Ample parking
Guided Washington House Tour:
Adults -$12.00, Students (Ages 6 and up) – $6.00, 5 & Under-FREE
Self-Guided Grounds Only Tour
Adults – $9.00, Students (Ages 6 and up) – $4.00, 5 & Under – FREE
Covid: Guests who are not fully vaccinated, including children, should wear masks indoors.
Website: https://kenmore.org/visit-ferry-farm/
Upcoming Events:
*Learn with Me Days
*Gingerbread House Workshop
*Gingerbread House Contest/Exhibit
George Washington moved permanently to Mount Vernon in 1754. Click this link to read more about our visit there: https://familyadventuresva.com/2021/04/13/mount-vernon/
Family Adventures VA 