George Washington Birthplace
National Monument

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George Washington Birthplace is located in Westmoreland County on Virginia's "Northern Neck," the peninsula formed by the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers as they flow into the Chesapeake Bay. George Washington Birthplace National Monument evokes the spirit of the 18th century Virginia tobacco farm. The historic area buildings, groves of trees, livestock, gardens, rivers and creeks were the earliest scenes of Washington's childhood and the kind of surroundings in which he reached maturity. Here at George Washington's Birthplace we interpret the childhood setting which greatly influenced the formative years of George Washington. The park has 538 acres..

VISITATION:

Highest in May through August; lowest in December through February.

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LOCATION:

Colonial Beach, VA

ADDRESS:

George Washington Birthplace National Monument
1732 Popes Creek Road
Washington's Birthplace, VA 22443

TELEPHONE:

(804) 224-1732

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; except Christmas and New Year's Days.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Summer months are hot and humid, wear lightweight clothing. Winters are cold with occasional snow and ice, dress warmly.

DIRECTIONS:

George Washington Birthplace is on the Potomac River 38 miles east of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and is accessible via Virginia Route 3 and Virginia Route 204.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: tour buses and private vehicles.
In Park: foot, tour buses and private vehicles.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

Admission fee is $2.00 per person, age 17 years and older.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Washington family history,   exhibits of Washington family artifacts,  a 14-minute film and rest room facilities.

Trails, Roads:

Park facilities include the historic birthplace home site, the colonial farm area, burial grounds, hiking trails and beach.

Programs/Activities:

Regularly scheduled guided tours with costumed park rangers are available.

Food/supplies:

Vending and soda machines only.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

A bookstore adjacent to the visitor center is operated by the George Washington Birthplace National Memorial Association.

Accessibility:

The park is handicapped accessible.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

See 14-minute park film, take a guided tour of the historic area, visit the family burial site, hike the nature trail, picnicking, observe the plants and wildlife and enjoy the view at the beach area.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations are required for educational groups and other tour groups. Special use permits are required for delineated activities, call (804) 224-1732.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

A leisurely visit will take one to two hours.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:      

Yearly, George Washington's Birthday is celebrated on President's Day and on the actual birthday (February 22nd) with special colonial activities for the day. Christmas at Popes Creek is celebrated with a candlelight open house. A calendar of special activities is available by writing or calling the park.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Information concerning closing of certain roads or trails accessing the park sites will be provided.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Places of interest ten miles east of the park include Westmoreland State Park and Stratford Hall (Robert E. Lee's Birthplace). Ten miles west of the park are Ingleside Winery and the Westmoreland Berry Farm.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write George Washington Birthplace National Monument, 1732 Popes Creek Road, Washington's Birthplace, VA 22443, or call (804) 224-1732.

Last Updated:Wednesday, 01-Sep-99 12:27:10
http://www.nps.gov/gewa/

For questions about our web page, contact james_laray@nps.gov