George Washington's Birthplace

Contrary to popular opinion, George Washington was not born at Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon is the place most associated with out first President, but it is not the ancestral home of the Washington Family. George Washington inherited Mount Vernon from his older half-brother Augustine and he built it up from a simple farm to a plantation. Mount Vernon is a popular tourist attraction, but right close by is his restored birthplace, a national historic monument operated by the National Park Service.

George Washington was born at Popes Creek Plantation in 1732 and lived here until he was three years old, but returned when he was a teenager, already studying what was to become his career, a surveyor. He continued to visit after he was on his own. The farm was the second home of Washington's great-grandfather, John Washington who immigrated from England in 1656. According to family records, the house was very substantial with eight rooms and at least five fireplaces. The original house is no longer here, it burned down 1799 when the plantation was owned by Augustine's son William, who inherited it upon his father's death. The house was not rebuilt. A monument was erected in 1881and the original foundation was excavated in 1930. The buildings there today are on the original foundations, but it is believed that the foundations are not those of the actual house itself, but the outbuildings. The house is not an exact replica of the Washington house. There are no plans or diagrams of the original house in existence today. It is, however, a replica of what a house a family of Washington's stature would have. The furnishings are not Washington's either, but are actual artifacts from the time.

The site today consists of a gift shop, a living colonial farm complete with farm animals and tobacco fields, the Washington Family Burial Ground, a picnic area with tables, grills, pavilion and restrooms, a nature trail and a beach on the Potomac River for walking, sunbathing, and fishing, but not for swimming. Actors in colonial costumes give demonstrations and lectures about colonial life.

The site has many outdoor activities and weather in this part of the country is a big factor. It can be hot and humid in the summer and cold and icy in the winter. Call before hand in case of inclement weather to make sure the site is open. Summer is the most popular time and school groups visit from April through June.

The Visitor Center and Memorial Historic Area are open 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The picnic area, burial grounds, and Potomac River beach are open year around . The entire site is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Days.

George Washington's Birthplace
1732 Popes Creek Road
Washington's Birthplace, VA 22443
804-224-1732

Sources

George Washington's Birthplace

Mount Vernon