Mary Washington House

Visit the home of George Washington's mother, Mary Ball Washington.

Mary Washington lived most of her life in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Many monuments honor her in Virginia, and some public buildings are named after her, including the University of Mary Washington. George Washington bought this house for his mother from Michael Robinson in 1772 for just 275 pounds. It is a white frame home located on the corner of Charles and Lewis Street. She lived in close proximity to her daughter, Betty Washington Lewis' residence (the Kenmore Plantation) and close to her younger son Charles Washington.

Later in his life, George Washington visited his mom on his travels to Fredericksburg. In April of  1789, he came to get a blessing from his mother before his inauguration. Many other very distinguished visitors also stopped to pay their respects to George Washington's mother, including John Marshall, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, Marquis de Lafayette, and members of the Lee family. Mary lived in her home until her passing in 1789, and the house is currently a museum and historical landmark. Inside, visitors will see a beautiful display of Mary's best ceramics. She loved her garden, where she grew flowers and boxwoods. Be sure to stop by the gift store that sells items like teas, 18th-century decorative arts, and various Virginian products. The house is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. Stop in Fredericksburg to see this historic home if you're driving through northern Virginia.