Day Trip to Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg History

Fredericksburg City is located in Spotsylvania county, northeastern Virginia, at the head of navigation of the Rappahannock River. The site, settled in 1671, was laid out in 1727 and named for Prince Frederick Louis, father of King George III of England.

Already entrenched in the tobacco economy, settlers laid out sprawling plantations along the fertile soils of the river beds. The opening of a ferry service between Fredericksburg and Stafford in 1784 solidified its dominance as a thriving port and commercial center. The ferry service allowed farmers and plantation owners to transfer their crops directly to awaiting ships. Along with the warehouses, taverns and other small commercial ventures soon established themselves along the grid plan of the present-day commercial core.

Strategically situated midway between Washington and Richmond, Fredericksburg was a major objective of both sides during the American Civil War and changed hands seven times. It served as the grounds for what was then the largest battle in America and the first urban battle since the Revolutionary War. The entire Battle of Fredericksburg resulted in 12,653 Union casualties and 4,201 Confederate casualties.

In the 1960s, Interstate-95, which runs north-south, crossed the Rappahannock River upstream of Fredericksburg. Recently, the Virginia Railway Express made Fredericksburg a convenient place of residence for Washington D.C. commuters. Fredericksburg is the seat of the University of Mary Washington (1908) and Germanna Community College (1970). Historic sites include the home and grave of Washington’s mother (Mary Ball Washington), the law office of James Monroe (later president), the Rising Sun Tavern (c. 1760), built by Washington’s youngest brother Charles, and the apothecary shop of Hugh Mercer, Washington’s friend.

Today’s Fredericksburg has preserved its memories well. Its large downtown historic district is dotted with Colonial structures and reminders of the people who lived and worked here. Its Civil War past is inescapable. A major National Park interprets the battles, and the city still shows its glories and its scars.

Sources:

Civil War (1861-1865). (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/781/Civil-War

Fredericksburg. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Fredericksburg-Virginia

Historic Fredericksburg, Virginia. (2012, November 20). Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://fredericksburgguidebook.com/area-history/historic-fredericksburg-virginia/

New Dominion (1945-Present). (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/784/New-Dominion

Settlement to Society (1607-1750). (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/776/Settlement-to-Society

Things to Do

Fredericksburg is a central location for Civil War sites, including battlegrounds, cemeteries, and plantations. The downtown area is perfect for a walk-about, as it is full of antique stores, delightful cafes and restaurants, as well as beautiful historic architecture.

Antique Stores located in downtown Fredericksburg (Caroline Street):

1) The Fredericksburg Antique Mall & Clock Shop, 925 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

2) Antique Court Of Shoppes, 1001 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

3) Oldies But Goodies Antiques and Collectibles LLC, 918 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

4) Blue Shark Antiques & Collectibles, 904 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

5) Caroline Curiosity Shop, 210 George St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Breweries within 10 minutes of Fredericksburg:

1) Spencer Devon Brewing, 106 George St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (2 minutes)

2) Red Dragon Brewery, 1419 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (4 minutes)

3) Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22405 (6 minutes)

4) Strangeways Brewing Fredericksburg, 350 Lansdowne Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (6 minutes)

5) Adventure Brewing Company – Eagle Village, 1113 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (8 minutes)

Historical Sites within 10 minutes of Fredericksburg:

1) Fredericksburg Area Museum, 907 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

2) Kenmore, 1201 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (3 minutes)

3) Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, 1013 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (3 minutes)

4) Fredericksburg Battlefield, Lee Dr, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (5 minutes)

5) Chatham Manor, 120 Chatham Ln, Fredericksburg, VA 22405 (9 minutes)

Hiking Trails within 15 minutes of Fredericksburg:

1) Rappahannock River Heritage Trail, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (5 minutes)

2) Ficklen Island, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (6 minutes)

3) Heritage Trail, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (7 minutes)

4) Terminus of Virginia Railway Trail, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (8 minutes)

5) Smith Run Trail, 2510 Manor Dr, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (11 minutes)

Day Trip Overview

On October 8, 2020, I decided to make a trip north to Fredericksburg, Virginia. I found a parking garage located on 600 Sophia Street, which is adjacent to Caroline Street and historic downtown Fredericksburg. Parking was not only easy and convenient, but also cheap! It’s free for the first four hours, then $1.00 for each additional hour. The maximum cost per day is $8.00.

My intention for the day was to find a café to sit and plan my excursion, walk around downtown, and find a local brewery with a patio to enjoy. Well, as usual, my plans quickly went awry when I became distracted by the local architecture and cluttered antique stores. I hence took a walk to enjoy the general feel of downtown Fredericksburg life, popped into two antique stores to view their wares, and finally stopped to enjoy some lunch at a local restaurant. My visit here was too brief and I can’t wait to return!

A Map of My Journey:

How Much Did It Cost?

Money totals: I didn’t end up spending much at all, since I didn’t purchase anything at the antique shops (though, I was sorely tempted) and parking was free. I didn’t have to get gas on this particular day, which saved me additional spending. The only thing I paid for was lunch!

TST* J Brian S Tap Room: $27.49 (Greek Pizza $13.00 + Ardent Craft Ales IPA X: New England IPA $7.00) + 30% tip

Total cost of the day: $27.49

Conclusion

Window shopping was fun, but I’d like to come back with a mission in mind and find a little something special to bring home from one of these antique shops. In addition, I would like to see some of the historic Civil War sites that are in such close proximity to downtown Fredericksburg. Next time, breakfast, history, and a brewery!

One day, I’ll have to do a ghost tour and stay the night for some extra spooky fun!