History for the City of Fredericksburg
The City of Fredericksburg was settled in 1671. Named for Prince Frederic Louis, the father of King George III, and was developed as a busy port for English trade. George Washington's father bought three lots in the town and became one of the trustees. George Washington's boyhood home is located nearby in Ferry Farms just outside the city limits in Stafford County.
Visitors today can walk among the more than 350 original 18th and 19th century homes and buildings. Explore the 18th century apothecary shop owned by George Washington's friend, Hugh Mercer or stop in for rousing entertainment at the Rising Sun Tavern, Charles Washington's drinking establishment.
Although the Fredericksburg region is steeped in over 300 years of history, it is the area's part in the Civil War that attracts most of the visitors today. The City of Fredericksburg is strategically located midway between Washington D. C. and Richmond, VA. The City of Fredericksburg was a major objective for both sides during the Civil War. The city changed hands at least seven times and is the site of some of the most intense and crucial battles of the war.
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