Category: Fredericksburg

James Monroe Birthplace

Colonial Beach VA

James Monroe, our fifth President, was born here in 1758. He lived here until he was 16 and he entered William & Mary College. The house has been rebuilt according to historical records. All the rooms are set with pieces that reflect mid-18th century furnishings.

Bed warmer
Reproduction of the coat worn by 18 year old Lieutenant James Monroe at the Battle of Trenton in 1776. A feature of the uniforms of that time was the rank of Major and above wore two epaulets, while the rank of Captain wore a single epaulet on the right side, and ranks below Captain wore a single epaulet on the left side.
The visitor center has a few portraits of James Monroe…
Bust of James Monroe, by Cathe Wahendahl, 1957
James Monroe was a significant contributor to the early days of our country. He is considered “The Last Founding Father”. I think he deserves more attention and honor. This site should be part of our National Park system, but so far, it is a privately run organization.

George Washington Birthplace

Colonial Beach VA

Washington was born here in Westmoreland County, and he moved to Fredericksburg’s Ferry Farm when he was 6 years old.
Washington Birthplace monument obelisk.
This outline marks the archeological remains of a brick foundation representing a substantial 18th century home that belonged to the Washington family.
Colonial Revival Garden
Pathway to memorial house.
Washington Birthplace Memorial House. This house was built in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth.
The Washington family farm backed up to Popes Creek.
Colonial Revival Kitchen.
Tobacco barn
Tobacco
Farm Workshop
Walnut tree
Fig tree
Washington family tree
Bust of Washington inside the Memorial House.

Belmont, Gary Melchers Home & Studio

Falmouth VA

Belmont the house was built in 1792. Artist Gary Melchers bought the house in 1916 and lived here until his death in 1932.
Melchers’ wooden Dutch shoes
Gary Melchers’ studio. Melchers was one of America’s most significant artists of the early 1900s. He Born in Detroit, he studied in Dusseldorf Germany, Paris France and Egmond Holland. He was a member of academies in New York, London, Berlin, Paris and Munich.

He won many awards from all of the western world. He painted mostly in the Naturalist style, which tried to convey the subject truthfully. He was one of the premier portraitists in the late 1800s and early 1900s. President Theodore Roosevelt sat in the White House for Melchers to do his portrait.

His works are displayed in art museums all over the world, as well as here in his studio.
This is Melchers’ studio table as he left it when he died.
Winter Landscape with Figures, 1887, This was Melchers’ first work, painted when he was 16 years old.
The Choirmaster, 1888-1891
The Nativity, 1891
The Sermon, 1886
In Holland, 1887
President Theodore Roosevelt, 1908
Commerce Street, 1920. This is the location of present-day Renato’s Restaurant on William Street in Fredericksburg.
Self portrait, 1896.
Portrait of Mrs. Gari Melchers, 1905.
From My Window, 1920. Belmont overlooks the Rappahannock River.
Nelson Berry’s Store, 1918. This store was located in Falmouth, down the hill from Belmont.
The Open Door, 1910.
The Fencer, 1895.

Chatham

Fredericksburg VA

Built in 1771 by the Fitzhugh family. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the Rappahannock River and Fredericksburg, it was easy to see from all around. During the Civil War the Lacy family owned Chatham, and also Ellwood near Locust Grove.
During the Battle of Fredericksburg December 1862, Chatham served as headquarters for the Union. After the battle it was transformed into a field hospital. Clara Barton, Mary Walker and Walt Whitman served in the hospital here.
Fredericksburg from Chatham
Replica of a pontoon used during the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Gardens at Chatham.