Historical Markers in the Fredericksburg Area

Indian Punch Bowl  |   Meditation Rock  |  Meade's Pyramid  |  Slave Auction Block  | Time Capsule Gunnery Springs  |  Crucifix  | Leaselands  |  James Monroe Bust  |  Firestation Marker Pontoon Bridge Crossing  |  Fire Hose Cart  |  Lee Headquarters Marker  |  Fire Bell

Indian Punch Bowl Riverside Dr. Fredericksburg On the way up to Fall Hill, one finds a large old water-worn stone called the “Indian Punch Bowl” and it’s seated on the banks of the Rappahannock River. Legend has it that it was originally carved into the rocks by Indians who used it to brew their poison for the tip of their arrows. Francis Thornton II, found the bowl, cleaned it out and served tasty punch in it during his river parties.  More >>

Mary Washington Rock / Meditation Rock Washington Ave. at Pitt St. Open to public One of Mary Washington's favorite places to sit.  Meditation Rock is a large group of rocks where Mary Ball Washington used to pray and meditate. Many local people still visit this spot to do the same. The rock is directly behind the Mary Washington Monument. Search around in the area and you will find the marker for the Col. George Eskridge Memorial Tree, who was guardian of Mary Ball.

Meade's Pyramid Lee Dr. Fredericksburg-Spotsylvania National Military Park Fredericksburg Though it is not officially recorded in history records, the park claims that the pyramid dates back to 1897. During that time, the Confederate Memorial Literary Society wanted to place markers along the railroad, marking Civil War sites. In 1898, the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Rail Road hauled over 17 tons of Virginia Granite to construct the pyramid. More >>

Slave Auction Block Corner of William and Charles St. Fredericksburg This 3 foot high block of sandstone with one side hewn to form a step to the top was reportedly used for the sale of property and also for sale and annual hire of slaves.  It is believed that the original purpose of the block was as a carriage stoop for the U.S.   Planters Hotel once occupied the location. Today the block stands as a reminder of our grim past.

2000 Time Capsule Princess Anne St. Fredericksburg When the Y2K bug was a "threat" and many thought the world was going to end on Jan. 1, 2000, the people of the Fredericksburg area were having a party and burying a time capsule for future generations. The Time Capsule is buried in the front the Fredericksburg Area Cultural Museum.

Gunnery Springs Gunnery Lane (Ferdinand St.) Fredericksburg Little is left of the Gunnery Springs, located just behind the old Walker Grant School. The Gunnery is completely gone, but a slow trickle of water still remains today. The concrete and brick covering over the spring was erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Spring has been featured in SimplyFredericksburg's "Off the Beaten Path" and on cable news Channel 3 in Spotsylvania.(SimplyFredericksburg choose the spring as the location of a news interview).

Crucifix Jefferson Davis Hwy Stafford Located near Aquia Creek (which is Indian for "bush nut"), on Jefferson Davis Hwy, is a large bronze crucifix. Some time around 1650, George Brent and three others obtained from James II a Proclamtion granting 'free exercise of their religion' on the 30,000 acre plot known then as Brenton Tract. This crucifix (designed by George J. Lober) is a memorial to the first English Catholic settlers in Virginia who exercised their religion on the Brenton Tract.

The Leaselands Wimmiam at Sophia St. Fredericksburg The marker commermorates the Royston-Buckner Grant of May 2, 1671. Part of ths grant became "The Leaselands" better known as Fredericksburg.

James Monroe Bust James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library 908 Charles St. Fredericksburg In the garden behind the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library is a magnificent bust of James Monoroe. The bust faces the Library and it backs up against the Masonic Cemetery.

Firestation Marker Princess Anne St. Fredericksburg The old red and black cannon sits in front of a large plaque marking the Fredericksburg Public Safety Buildings. Reportedly there is not a major significance to the cannon (which is believed to be from the Revolutionary War era.

Pontoon Bridge Crossing Fredericksburg During the Battle of Fredericksburg there were three seperate pontoon bridges made to cross the Rappahannock River. The upper crossing is the most clearly marked.

Fire Hose Cart Princess Anne St. Fredericksburg This 1884 Hose Cart sits in-front of the Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire station on Princess Anne Street. The engraved marble marker below it reads "Fredericksburg Vol Fire Co. 1884 Hose Cart"

Lee Headquarters Marker Courthouse Rd. Spotsylvania Located in the Historic Spotsylvania Courthouse District, this marker on the corner of Courthouse Road, marks the location of General Robert E. Lee's Headquarters during the battle. Located within a few hundred feet of the marker is the old Courthouse and Jail, along with the Spotyslvania County Museum.

Fire Bell Princess Anne St. Fredericksburg Located just outside the current firehouse in Old Town is one of the old fire bells used in the City.

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