Tags
American history, Ferry Farm, George Washington, Mary Washington, Mary Washington's House, Presidents
As far as I can tell, no one living in New York City has ever actually visited the Statue of Liberty. If you live in Boston, it’s probably considered gauche to visit the USS Constitution, and I don’t think Parisians linger on the observation desk of the Eiffel Tower. Who wants to look like a tourist?
Similarly, why would someone living an hour or so from Fredericksburg, VA visit Washington’s childhood home, Ferry Farm, and walk the same grounds where he played as a child? Or drive by the house Washington bought his mother in downtown Fredericksburg in 1772, where she lived the last 17 years of her life? Or visit Mary Washington’s gravesite, which George left unmarked after she was buried (quite a mother/son relationship, no)?
I don’t know either, but I finally decided to break with tradition and go exploring. After all, it’s a snow day – what else am I supposed to be doing? Oh yes, about that “Washington: A Life” review. It’s coming – very soon.
In the meantime, enjoy these sights of Fredericksburg, VA much as George Washington and his mother may have seen them on a blustery, cold day in January some two-and-a-half centuries ago. Sans the paved streets and historical markers, of course. And the university pictured above wasn’t actually there at the time, but let’s not get picky…
Ferry Farm (Washington’s childhood home in Fredericksburg, VA)
Mary Washington’s home (Fredericksburg, VA)
Mary Washington’s gravesite (Fredericksburg, VA)
My Journey Through the Best Presidential Biographies 
Excellent post. You are right. People living near historical places take them for granted.
It makes me sad to think people would miss out on these sites because they don’t want to be perceived as tourists. If I lived near them, I would take advantage of them every chance I get!
I’ve been meaning to visit Ferry Farm for years! Thank you for reminding me of it. Why didn’t George put a headstone over his mother?
It is my understanding that it is due, in part, to lifelong tension between mother & son, and to his preoccupation with the presidency. In 1826 it seems an appeal was made by George Washington Parke Custis (Martha Washington’s adopted grandson) and by 1830 the citizens of Fredericksburg raised sufficient money to build a monument over the grave.
Interesting. I am glad I found your blog–and will embark on the reading project following your recommendations.
As I work my way through the presidential biographies I’m keeping a list of places to visit. And you are so right about people tending to not visiting places local to them. My sister and I went to the Washington crossing the Delaware River reenactment last Christmas, after some 30 years of living in the area. It is a great event, although it helped that the weather was wonderful that day.
I’m working through your blog posts, trying to get caught up to where I am in my reading. Thanks for your insights.