What Is the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop?
The former apothecary shop of Dr. Hugh Mercer is now a museum of 18th century medicine!
What Makes It Historical?
Dr. Mercer fled to the Colonies in 1846 after the British won the Battle of Culloden in his native Scotland! Once in Pennsylvania, Dr. Mercer served alongside George Washington in the French and Indian War and spent some time in command of Fort Pitt, now Pittsburgh! In 1760, he settled in Fredericksburg, and ran this apothecary for 16 years, even buying Ferry Farm from the Washingtons and turning it into a town!
In June of 1776, John Hancock commissioned Dr. Mercer as brigadier general of the Armies of the United Colonies. He led a raid on Staten Island, and helped organize the famous crossing of the Delaware on December 26 to defeat the Hessians in the Battle of Trenton (now seat of Mercer County)! Sadly, as the army moved north from Trenton to their winter quarters in Morristown, Dr. Mercer was attacked and stabbed by British troops, dying on January 12, 1777. His courage ended up solving the “Crisis of the Revolution,” though! Most of the enlistments were due to expire on New Year’s Day, which would have crippled the Revolution, but after Dr. Mercer fell, most everyone re-enlisted!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at the Washington Heritage Museums!
- Become a member of the Washington Heritage Museums!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
1020 Caroline St
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The Hugh Mercer Apothecary museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM, except for Sundays when it opens at 12:00 PM!
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