George Washington's Ferry Farm in Fredericksburg, VA
Fredericksburg · Community Photo
Discover where America’s first president spent his boyhood years, explore the meticulously reconstructed 18th‑century Washington House, and wander the river‑side trails that reveal working archaeology along the Rappahannock. Plan your perfect visit to this iconic historic site and experience the rich stories that shaped a future leader.
Welcome to George Washington’s Ferry Farm
George Washington’s Ferry FarminFredericksburg, VAsits on the banks of theRappahannock River, a historic landscape that once cradled the future president’s early life. In 1738, at the age of six, Washington moved to the property—then known simply as the Washington farm along the river—and spent his boyhood years here learning the skills that would shape his destiny.
During those formative years, young George honed his surveying abilities, explored the rolling Virginia countryside, and forged a deep bond with the river and surrounding fields. The stories of his games, chores, and early adventures are woven into the very soil of thisboyhood home, offering a vivid glimpse of the man before the legend.
Today the site is cared for byThe George Washington Foundation, which preserves the farm’s archaeology, reconstructs the 18th‑century Washington House on its original footprint, and presents interactive exhibits that bring thishistoricplace to life for families, history buffs, and day‑trippers alike.
Planning Your Visit to Ferry Farm: Visitor Hours & Admission
Category | Details & Options | Notes & Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
Physical Address & Location | 268 George Washington Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22405 | Located on Kings Highway (Route 3) directly across the Rappahannock River in Stafford County. |
Contact & Inquiries | Phone: (540) 370‑0732 | Managed by The George Washington Foundation; visit the official website to buy tickets, view hours, and see admission information for visitors. |
Visitor Tips & Operational Notice
Use the new entrance off Kings Highway (Route 3) at 268 George Washington Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22405. Follow on‑site signage to the Visitor Center parking area.
Timed house tours are popular, especially on spring and fall weekends and during school tour seasons. To guarantee a spot, buy tickets online ahead of time or call the contact number 540‑370‑0732.
If you plan to explore Historic Kenmore in downtown Fredericksburg, ask staff about combined ticket options for both sites.
George Washington's Ferry Farm: Historic Tours & River Trail
Visit Reconstructed House at George Washington's Ferry Farm
Built directly on the original 1738 foundation uncovered in 2008, the reconstruction serves asliving‑history environmentwhere visitors can sit on reproduction furniture, touch replica artifacts, and explore colonial cooking; it stands as theboyhood homeof George Washington, offering an immersive glimpse into the young leader’s daily life.
Features
Reproduction furnishings that reflect early‑colonial life.
Replica artifacts crafted from the original 2008 excavation.
Colonial kitchen demonstrations where visitors can try period recipes.
“The reconstruction is built on a solid archaeological foundation, ensuring a truly historic experience for every guest.”
The work draws on extensive archaeology from the 2008 dig, providing visitors with an authentic glimpse into the past.
Book your tour today atofficial ticket‑purchase page.
Plan Ahead for an Interactive Family Experience
Book your visit early to ensure a spot on our hands‑on house tours, where children can step into colonial life and explore daily activities as they once were along the Rappahannock River.
Exploring Archaeology at Ferry Farm Lab & Visitor Center
Historic artifactssuch as clay pipes, ceramic fragments, wig curlers, and surveying gear have been uncovered, highlighting the site’s rich colonial past.
World‑class archaeological researchemploying cutting‑edge techniques continues to document thousands of these items, shedding light on daily life and commerce in the era.
The findings are reshaping our understanding of the region’s early development.
Explore the Site
At George Washington's Ferry Farm, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of the first president's early years.
View curated exhibit galleries that showcase original artifacts and interactive displays.
Watch live artifact cleaning demonstrations performed by skilled conservators.
Learn cataloguing processes directly from staff archaeologists, gaining insight into how each piece is documented.
Purchase ticketsto experience these programs and more.
Our dedication to preserving the boyhood home narrative ensures that every story told here connects past and present.
Schedule a Live Demonstration
Experience the historic research firsthand by planning your visit during a live demonstration. The hands‑on activities bring the lab’s discoveries to life, and the setting near the Rappahannock River adds a unique backdrop for families.
Explore Gardens and Wildlife Along the Rappahannock River
Heritage gardensspread across the 113‑acre estate, reviving 18th‑century crops, herbs, and flowers that once flourished in colonial gardens.From fragrant rosemary and sage to heirloom varieties of corn and beans, each planting is carefully tended to showcase the agricultural legacy of the era. The grounds provide a historic backdrop for visitors, inviting them to stroll among living history and experience the sights, scents, and textures that shaped early American life.
For a deeper look at the garden’s story, explore our timeline.
Visitor Activities
At George Washington's Ferry Farm, visitors can immerse themselves in nature while reflecting on the historic landscape.
Stroll the nature trail along the riverbank.
Observe birds such as bald eagles and herons.
Enjoy panoramic views of historic downtown Fredericksburg.
“This serene setting, once the boyhood home of our first President, invites every guest to discover the wonder of his early years.”
Explore Nature Alongside History
Bring binoculars for birdwatching and sturdy shoes for the trail—these natural highlights perfectly complement the story told at the boyhood home.
Pair Ferry Farm with Historic Kenmore in Fredericksburg, VA
Combine Ferry Farm with Historic Kenmore
Both sites are lovingly curated by The George Washington Foundation, which oversees theboyhood homeof George Washington at Ferry Farm and theHistoric Kenmoreplantation house.
Kenmore sits just a short 5‑minute drive across the Rappahannock River inFredericksburg, VA. Built in the 1770s by George Washington’s sister Betty Washington Lewis and her husband Fielding Lewis, the Georgian mansion is celebrated for its ornate plasterwork ceilings and formal gardens.
Suggested “Day in Washington’s Footsteps” Itinerary
Morning – Ferry Farm: Explore the meticulously reconstructed Washington House built on the original archaeological footprint, wander the riverside nature trails, and engage with interactive archaeology exhibits.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal in historic downtownFredericksburg, VA, where a variety of cafés and restaurants overlook the Rappahannock River.
Afternoon – Kenmore: Take a guided tour of the world‑renowned plasterwork ceilings, stroll through the formal gardens, and then visit nearby sites such as the Mary Washington House and the Hugh Mercer Apothecary.
By pairing these twohistoriclocations you get a full picture of early‑American life—from the frontier river farm where Washington grew up to the elegant plantation home of his sister.
Ferry Farm address: 268 George Washington Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22405. Phone: 540‑370‑0732.
Visitor Historic FAQ: George Washington's Ferry Farm
In the 18th century, the Washington family called this property the Home Farm or the farm on the Rappahannock. In the mid‑19th century, it became widely known as “Ferry Farm” because a public ferry operated from its riverbanks, shuttling passengers and goods directly across the Rappahannock River into the colonial port of Fredericksburg.
Ferry Farm is located at 268 George Washington Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22405, situated in Stafford County along Route 3 (Kings Highway) just east of downtown Fredericksburg across the Chatham Bridge. Free on‑site parking is available next to the Visitor Center, making it easy for a visitor to arrive by car.
Yes, Ferry Farm is the legendary setting where Mason Locke Weems (Parson Weems) placed the famous tales of young George chopping down the cherry tree (“I cannot tell a lie”) and throwing a silver dollar across the Rappahannock River. While these stories are largely 19th‑century folklore intended to illustrate Washington’s character, they remain an endearing part of the site’s historic cultural legacy.
Most guests spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours at Ferry Farm. This allows ample time for a 45‑minute guided Washington House tour, 30–45 minutes exploring the archaeology lab and visitor‑center exhibits, and additional time to stroll the scenic outdoor river trails and gardens.
Leashed pets are welcome on the outdoor walking trails and grounds (service animals only inside historic buildings and the visitor center). Picnic tables are available on the property overlooking the Rappahannock River for guests enjoying an outdoor lunch.
