What Is George Washington Birthplace National Monument?
This is a reconstructed colonial farm on the site of the Washington family tobacco plantation, where George Washington was born!
What Makes It Historical?
This plantation began as a wedding gift to English fur trader, John Washington, and a landowner’s daughter, Anne Pope! Starting in 1657, they expanded their holdings and built a 10-bedroom home called Wakefield, where three generations of Washingtons were born and raised, leading to George on February 22, 1732! He was the first of six children and lived here until he was three!
Wakefield burned on Christmas Day 1779 and was never rebuilt. Since no one painted the house or otherwise recorded how it looked, the first monument here was a marble obelisk over the house site. To commemorate Mr. Washington’s 200th birthday, Josephine Wheelwright Rust, president of the Wakefield National Memorial Association, designed a Memorial House, which was then built by Edward Donn, Jr. in June of 1931. The obelisk was moved to the entrance!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at George Washington Birthplace National Monument!
- Donate to George Washington Birthplace National Monument!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
1732 Popes Creek Rd
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
The park is open daily from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, except on federal holidays!
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