The Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and
Stafford areas are abundant with history for young and old alike.
Whether it’s strolling through historic Fredericksburg on a brisk winters
day to visiting one of the numerous battlefields of the Civil War era there’s
bound to be something for everyone.
Originally, Captain John Smith saw
this area (what we know as the area of Stafford today), in 1608.
The Indians had already settled in this area because the Rappahannock River was a great way for them to travel. Then in 1728 the Rappahannock area was founded
as a port location. Shortly after Fredericksburg became a great area
for shipping because of its central location to Richmond and Washington
D. C. and the availability of waterways and trains.
Area
History
Other claims to fame are the numerous
presidents, (such as George Washington or James Monroe), who have called
this area their home or those who visited because they enjoyed the area
(Abraham Lincoln). And of course, the rapidly vanishing battlefields
are everywhere as a number of very important battles have been fought here
during the Civil War.
The first brief history was regarding
Belmont,
the estate where Geri Melcher, (an artist) lived. Upon visiting you will
be able to tour his home and art studio (which is left as he last left
it) and the grounds where he lived.
The next history you will see is the
Apothecary
Shop where you will learn about the medicines and techniques that the
doctor used to care for his patients over 200 years ago.
The Rising
Sun Tavern was the next stop on our list. There we learned about
the bustling stagecoach stop and tavern life. While you’re there
check around for signs of the fabled ghost. Let us know if see him.
Also, look forward to an evening tour where it is rumored that the ghost
sometimes likes to make his presence known.
Mary
Washington’s home is another great stop to make. It will give
you an idea of what a mother would do for her children but also what a
son would do for his mother.
Next on the agenda was the St.
James House, 1300 Charles St., Fredericksburg, (just down the street
from the Mary Washington house). It is open to the public only 2
weeks each year (April and October). It was a treat to visit - so much
thanks to the woman who lives there for opening her home to the public.
Ferry
Farm followed with a stroll through the museum and grounds with family
members from Ohio. It was a beautiful day and the entire experience was
great.
Please keep checking back as we will
be adding brief histories about all the various things available to do
or see, even a historical tour that you can follow from a print out. Please feel free to check out our Historical Places to visit section.
here.
Enjoy!
You’ll see that we’ve changed things
a little on these because we feel it is important for our kids to become
interested in history. Eventually it will be up to them to help save
these representations of our history and heritage. Any suggestions
for the kids’ sections please email us at
.
