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Area Museums

Aquia Episcopal Church
The historic Aquia Episcopal Church is a well-preserved colonial church, including the original three-tiered pulpit and much of the original interior.
Chatham Chatham
The Georgian-style mansion was built in the 18th century but is best-known for the role it played during the Civil War.
Civil War Life Museum: The Soldiers’ Museum
Located next to the Spotsylvania County Visitor Center in Massaponax Crossing, the Civil War Life Museum brings the Civil War era to life with extensive displays of original artifacts, including rare military and personal items, as well as life-size exhibits.
Ellwood
Ellwood, also known as the “Lacy House” in recognition of its wartime occupants, was constructed in 1799 and was used as Union headquarters during the Civil War. Its cemetery includes the grave of "Stonewall" Jackson's amputated arm.
Ferry Farm Ferry Farm
This is the boyhood home of George Washington and the alleged scene of the legendary silver dollar and cherry tree stories. Also the site of Native American Archaeological digs and Civil War history.
Fielding Lewis Store
Constructed in 1749 by John Lewis, the store is known to be one of the oldest surviving urban stores in America. Lewis left the store to his son, Colonel Fielding Lewis, whom continued to operate it until his death in 1781.
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
Four battlefields in the Fredericksburg area (Fredericksburg Battlefield, Chancellorsville Battlefield, Wilderness Battlefield and Spotsylvania Courthouse Battlefield) comprise the world's largest military monument: the 9,000-acre Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.
Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center
Here you will be treated to a glimpse of Fredericksburg's rich heritage. Early Indian cultures. The excitement of the American Revolution. The horror and devastation of the Civil War. The rapid change of the 20th century.
Fredericksburg City and Confederate Cemetery
The Fredericksburg City Cemetery and Confederate Cemetery are located within a common brick wall. In 1867, the Ladies Memorial Association, purchased the land adjoining the Fredericksburg City Cemetery and re-interred Confederate soldiers at this new location, which became the Confederate Cemetery.
Fredericksburg Court House
Constructed in 1852, this Victorian Gothic Revival style building was designed by James Renwick, the architect of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York and the original Smithsonian Institute building in Washington, D.C.
Gari Melchers Home & Studio (Belmont) Gari Melchers Home & Studio (Belmont)
The richly furnished country house and working studio of American impressionist painter Gari Melchers (1860-1932) can be seen as they appeared in the 1920s. Explore the colorful formal gardens and wooded hiking trails of the artist's 27-acre retreat. Enjoy special exhibitions of the art of Melchers and his contemporaries.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
A restored 18th century "drug store", transporting the visitor into the world of the medical practices of colonial times.
James Monroe Museum James Monroe Museum
This museum and library houses many of Monroe and his wife's papers, furnishings and personal belongings from his early days as a lawyer in Fredericksburg to his presidency.
Kenmore Plantation & Gardens Kenmore Plantation & Gardens
This beautiful colonial mansion was built for George Washington's sister Betty. It is richly decorated in the style of the period.
Mary Washington House Mary Washington House
Mary Washington lived out her days in this home bought for her by her son George. Many of her personal possessions as well as furnishings of the time are on display.
Rising Sun Tavern Rising Sun Tavern
A lively living history tour of 18th century tavern life with "tavern wenches" still entertaining. Originally built as a residence in 1760 by Charles Washington, brother of George.
St. James House St. James House
An 18th century gentleman's house built by James Mercer, Mary Washington's attorney, in 1760. Filled with period antiques.
The Fredericksburg area is halfway between Richmond, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Old roadways, first dirt or plank and later paved, ran between these two capitals. The City of Fredericksburg and surrounding counties are on the banks of the Rappahannock River, which was used for transport, and the region is bisected by the railroad. Strategically situated since its beginnings, the Fredericksburg area boasts some important historic houses and locations.

These museums and historic houses provide interpretation of events and persons from the 1700s through the U. S. Civil War. We have witnessed debates and decisions on the formation of our country, religious freedom, and the Constitution. Four major battles and a number of smaller confrontations resulted in the area changing hands several times during the Civil War. We invite you to investigate this rich local, yet national, heritage.
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