Rising Sun Tavern Museum

Tour this historic tavern dating back to the early 1800s.

George Washington's youngest brother, Charles Washington, built this establishment as his home in 1760. He lived in the house with his brother for two decades, later moving to West Virginia in 1780 to a town that is now known as Charlestown after him. In 1792, the building was leased as a tavern called Golden Eagle. After various owners and names, this place became a private residence again in 1830. The building was later purchased by the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, which did structural repairs in the 1930s and extensive renovations in 1956. They also added a large covered front porch in 1978.

Today, this place serves as a museum with costumed tour guides taking visitors through the tavern as if they just stepped off the coach or dismounted their horse. Guests will learn about what the typical menu items would have been at the time. It is said that it cost customers more money to keep a horse behind the tavern than for them to sleep in one of the rooms overnight. Currently, the Rising Sun Tavern is owned by the Preservation of Virginia. It is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm - 4 pm. Admission rates are $7 for adults, $3 for students (6 - 18), and free for children ages five and under. If you're interested in touring historical sites, come to the Rising Sun Tavern in Fredricksburg, Virginia.