On the banks of the Rappahannock River overlooking Fredericksburg sits Ferry Farm, the boyhood home of George Washington, who moved to the property at age 6.
The 280-acre farm, purchased in 1738 by Augustine and Mary Ball Washington, was inherited by 11-year-old George in 1943 after his father passed away. His mother maintained the farm until George turned 21, and he remained on the property until 1754, when he moved to Mount Vernon.
Mary Washington remained at Ferry Farm until 1772, before moving into Fredericksburg. George eventually sold the farm to local physician Hugh Mercer, who also served as a brigadier general in the Revolutionary forces.
What to Expect
Visitors to Ferry Farm are treated to a visitors’ center chock full of information about the property, the Washington Family, and the first president. Colonial and Civil War artifacts, gardens with 18th-century plants, and re-enactors are a staple of the property, too.
Visitors can opt for a fully guided or self-guided tour of the property. Those on the fully guided tour—approximately 30 minutes—learn about the grounds and have a brief tour inside the replica home.
Hours (March through October)
Monday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday Noon to 5 pm
Hours (November and December)
Monday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday Noon to 4 pm
Guided Tour Cost
Adults: $12.00
Students (Ages 6 and up): $6.00
Ages 5 and under: Free
Self-Guided Grounds Only Tour
Adult: $9.00
Students (Ages 6 and up): $4.00
Ages 5 and under: Free
Get with the Programs!
While you’re at Ferry Farm, your kids can try educational programs like George Washington: Boy Before Legend (Grades K-5) where they’ll learn about young George Washington and how STEM-related disciplines contributed to his professional life. There’s I Dig George (Grades 3-5) where young minds are expanded through archaeology. For young historians, First Americans (Grades K-5) explores the life of native Virginians who lived on the land before the Washingtons. Finally, for kids who love nature and biology, Habitat Hunt (Grades 1-4) explores the ecosystem around Ferry Farm. Kids hike through the woods to discover plants and animals from the area.
Celebrate the Fourth at Ferry Farm
July 4, 2021
10 am to 4 pm
$5 per car
What could be more patriotic than to celebrate Independence Day at the boyhood home of the hero of the Revolutionary War? You’ll get to tour the Washington house, explore the archaeology, witness a patriotic flag retirement ceremony, meet historic re-enactors as they perform living history demonstrations, make crafts, play games and more.
Visit kenmore.org/events for more information or call 540-370-0732 x27.
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
268 Kings Hwy Fredericksburg 22405
540-370-0732
kenmore.org/visit-ferry-farm
