George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia

George Washington Birthplace National Monument is a historic site preserving the grounds where George Washington, the first President of the United States, was born on 22 February, 1732. The place is in Westmoreland County, Virginia. It was originally settled by John Washington, the great-grandfather of George Washington, who lived there until three, and returned there as a teenager.

John Washington settled there in 1657. Later the family acquired more land in nearby Pope's Creek. Part of the house in which George Washington was born was built before 1718. Between 1722 and 1726 the house was enlarged by his father. In the 1770's it was enlarged further, into a ten-room house, called Wakefield. It was unfortunately razed in a fire on Christmas Day, 1779, and was never rebuilt.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia
© https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Geo_Washington_birthplace.jpg
Author: JGHowes

The estate was acquired by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1858, and in 1882 donated to the Federal Government. In 1923, the Wakefield National Memorial Association was formed to restore the site. On 30 January, 1930 the grounds were designated a national monument. The following year John D Rockefeller, Jr. provided the Wakefield Association a grant, enabling it to acquire 394 acres of land which was then transfered to the Federal government.

A Memorial house was designed to represent buildings of that era, as the actual appearance of the original house is not known. The location of Washington's boyhood home is adjacent to the present memorial house. Its foundation is marked in the ground by crushed oyster shells.

Interior of George Washington Memorial House. Tea table believed to be original furniture belonging to Washington's parents
© https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Geo_Washington_birthplace2.jpg
Author: JGHowes

Visiting George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia

Coming from the direction of Washington, DC, take Interstate 95 south to Virginia, and turn off at Exit 130 to Virginia State Route 3 East. Follow Route 3 for the next 38 miles, then turn down Route 204 on your left. The entrance to the national monument is 2 miles down the road.

The grounds and visitor center are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. No entrance fee is charged for this site.

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