Step onto the grounds of George Washington’s boyhood home and, notwithstanding its famous connection, there’s no mistaking the feeling of being in a special place. A National Historic Landmark, Ferry Farm stretches along the Rappahannock River across from downtown Fredericksburg’s City Dock. The land is varied and rich, with native woodlands, a native grass meadow, … Continue reading Caring for Ferry Farm’s Flora and Fauna
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Exploring Nature at Ferry Farm
In April 1738, an advertisement in the Virginia Gazette described the 100 acres of land later purchased by Augustine Washington as “a beautiful situation” with “a very handsome dwelling house.” Located about 2 miles below the falls of the Rappahannock and near the public ferry, this unique landscape became George Washington’s boyhood home. “The Old … Continue reading Exploring Nature at Ferry Farm
The Fox: A Bygone Symbol of Liberty
“There is no man who hates the power of the crown more, or who has a worse opinion of the Person to whom it belongs than I.” - Charles James Fox, letter to Edmund Burke, 24 January 1779. Quoted in L. G. Mitchell, Charles James Fox (1997:41). “It is intolerable that it should be in the … Continue reading The Fox: A Bygone Symbol of Liberty
Tallio! Fox Hunting at Christmas
Although Fielding Lewis certainly built a home capable of hosting the elaborate Christmas celebrations popular in 18th century Virginia, Historic Kenmore probably never saw occasions on such a lavish scale, with the possible exception of the family’s first Christmas in the house in December 1775. If the family hosted the traditional Christmas celebration, Fielding and … Continue reading Tallio! Fox Hunting at Christmas
Lives & Legacies 