George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Although it's a re-creation of Popes Creek Plantation, where the first president was born on February 22, 1732, this national monument shows what 18th-century farm life was like when Washington's father, Augustine, established a tobacco plantation here in 1718. George lived here until the family moved to Fredericksburg when he was 3 1/2 years old. The manor house burned on Christmas Day in 1779 and was never rebuilt. The original site is outlined by oyster shells. Built in 1930-31, Memorial House and its workshop and farm re-create a typical plantation of that era (a guide will take you through the house). You can see the site in 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Start at the visitor center, where a 14-minute film explains plantation life and a display case holds Washington family artifacts uncovered during archaeological digs here. Park rangers offer talks and conduct guided tours from the visitor center. The graves of 32 Washington family members, including George's father, are in a small burial ground on the property.
Although it's a re-creation of Popes Creek Plantation, where the first president was born on February 22, 1732, this national monument shows what 18th-century farm life was like when Washington's father, Augustine, established a tobacco plantation here in 1718. George lived here until the family moved to Fredericksburg when he was 3 1/2 years old. The manor house burned on Christmas Day in 1779 and was never rebuilt. The original site is outlined by oyster shells. Built in 1930-31, Memorial House and its workshop and farm re-create a typical plantation of that era (a guide will take you through the house). You can see the site in 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Start at the visitor center, where a 14-minute film explains plantation life and a display case holds Washington family artifacts uncovered during archaeological digs here. Park rangers offer talks and conduct guided tours from the visitor center. The graves of 32 Washington family members, including George's father, are in a small burial ground on the property.
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