Fredericksburg for History Lovers
Fredericksburg, Virginia, is a historical city steeped in the Civil War. It’s home to some of the most critical battles in American history, and visitors can still explore these sites today. Whether you’re a history lover or just want to learn more about this fascinating period in America’s past, there are plenty of things to do that will appeal to all ages. Read on for our top picks for history lovers.
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park are great places to visit in this city if you’re a history lover. The park’s visitor center has exhibits, maps, and a film that tell the story of this important battlefield. You can also see historic sites like Marye’s Heights and Chancellorsville. There are guided tours available if you want more information about your trip.
The self-guided tour starts at the visitor center, where an exhibit hall contains artifacts from the battle, including weapons, uniforms, and artillery pieces. You can also watch videos about various aspects of the battle here or pick up brochures for self-guided tours of different areas on the battlefield that include walking paths so you can follow along at your own pace while learning more about what happened during this critical moment in American history.
Rising Sun Tavern
The Rising Sun Tavern is located on the corner of Washington and Main streets. The tavern has been in business since 1774 and is now a National Historic Landmark. It’s open to the public for tours, but you should call ahead for reservations because it’s usually booked solid with groups.
During your visit, you can take a tour of the building, which will give you an idea of what life was like during its heyday. You’ll also get to see how much things have changed over time. For example, back then there were no outlets for electrical appliances like microwaves or air conditioners—everything was powered by fireplaces! They had to keep their food warm by placing it near those fires, too (that could get messy). One thing they did have was tea—you’ll see some teacups still displayed in one room where they used them as drinking cups!
You can also get a glimpse into how they ate while being served by wait staff at the tableside. Different kinds of bread and meat were brought out first, followed by soups or other hot dishes such as roast beef or pork chops.
Historic Kenmore
Historic Kenmore is a National Historic Landmark. The Georgian-style mansion was built between 1770 and 1775 by Fielding Lewis, a wealthy Fredericksburg merchant, and his wife, Betty Washington Lewis, George Washington’s sister. The house is widely considered to contain some of the finest decorative plasterwork of the colonial period, and today tells the story of the Lewis family and their role in the American Revolution. The house is open year-round, with tours offered daily. It is owned and operated by The George Washington Foundation.
If you want to tour more than one historical site in the area, consider taking advantage of a combo ticket that includes admission to both Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm.
Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center
This is the first place you should go when you arrive in Fredericksburg, as it’s right on the battlefield and offers information about what happened there. It’s free to enter, but they do ask for a donation at the end of your visit (hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., daily). The center has an exhibit hall where you can learn more about the Civil War and its impact on Virginia, as well as view artifacts from both sides of Gettysburg. Outside markets are detailing where some major battles took place during this period. If you’re lucky enough to visit during one of their special events, you’ll experience them firsthand!
Also remember that while visiting battlefields like these might seem morbid or depressing at first glance, they actually offer a huge amount of insight into American history and how far we’ve come today.
These top Fredericksburg picks are worth a visit
The top sites for history lovers to visit in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park include the following:
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park encompasses both sides of the Rappahannock River and offers a variety of historical sites that can be toured by car or foot. The most popular attractions at this park are the Civil War battlefields on either side of the river, but there are plenty of other places worth checking out as well. A few highlights include locations such as Kenmore Plantation, Rising Sun Tavern, and Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center. These destinations offer visitors a chance to learn about life during wartime and hear firsthand accounts from soldiers who fought during this time period.
The park also includes several museums, including the Spotsylvania Court House Museum and the Museum of the Confederacy. If you want to go even further back in time, there are also historic homes like Kenmore Plantation. It should be on your radar when planning your trip to Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.
Consider moving to Fredericksburg
If you’re moving to Fredericksburg soon, you’ll probably want to know a little bit about its history. You’ll find that it’s a great place to live. If you are planning a family relocation to this city, you can always get help with any task. Hiring professional movers can save you money and time while packing and transporting your belongings to a new home. Before you pack your bags, take a look at some of the things that make our town unique.
The history here is rich and colorful, with much of it preserved in museums such as Mary Washington House and Chatham Manor. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about this region’s colonial past, those sites are worth checking out!
Fredericksburg has also been recognized by national publications such as Forbes and Money magazines for being an excellent place to raise children, so if your family includes kids who need lots of outdoor activities, then they’ll be right at home here, too (or vice versa).
