Mary Washington Monument Fredericksburg
America's first monument to a woman, honoring Mary Washington, mother of George Washington. A serene spot with historical significance.
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Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Mary Washington Monument Fredericksburg
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
America's first monument to a woman, honoring Mary Washington, mother of George Washington. A serene spot with historical significance.
"A wonderful tribute to the "Mother" of our country, with a serene atmosphere and historical depth."
Combine with Kenmore Plantation
Visit Kenmore Plantation nearby for a fuller historical experience. It was owned by Mary's daughter and son-in-law.
Reflect at Meditation Rocks
Take time to sit at the Meditation Rocks behind the monument. It's a serene spot with historical significance.
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Mary Washington Monument
Fredericksburg, Virginia
America's first monument to a woman, a tribute to George Washington's mother. Built by women, it stands as a symbol of her enduring legacy.
Meditation Rocks
Behind the monument
These rocks are where Mary Washington prayed for her son during battles. Offers a quiet spot with a nice view over Kenmore Park.
Gordon Family Cemetery
Near the monument
The final resting place for the Gordon family, owners of the Kenmore plantation. A poignant reminder of the area's historical inhabitants.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combine with Kenmore Plantation
Visit Kenmore Plantation nearby for a fuller historical experience. It was owned by Mary's daughter and son-in-law.
Reflect at Meditation Rocks
Take time to sit at the Meditation Rocks behind the monument. It's a serene spot with historical significance.
Learn the History
Research Mary Washington's life and her connection to the Kenmore plantation before your visit.
Enjoy the Park
A nice family park is located behind the monument area, perfect for a stroll.
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine with Kenmore Plantation
Visit Kenmore Plantation nearby for a fuller historical experience. It was owned by Mary's daughter and son-in-law.
Reflect at Meditation Rocks
Take time to sit at the Meditation Rocks behind the monument. It's a serene spot with historical significance.
Learn the History
Research Mary Washington's life and her connection to the Kenmore plantation before your visit.
Enjoy the Park
A nice family park is located behind the monument area, perfect for a stroll.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Mary Washington Monument as a beautiful and historically significant tribute, particularly noting its status as America's first monument to a woman. The serene atmosphere of the Meditation Rocks and the scenic views are frequently highlighted. Some reviews mention the historical context of the Kenmore plantation and the Gordon family cemetery, while also reflecting on the absence of memorials for enslaved individuals.
"Wow! What a wonderful tribute to the "Mother" of our country. We did some research about this location before we stopped and found that the location of the monument was originally part of the Kenmore plantation, which was owned by Mary Washington's daughter Elizabeth and her husband, Fielding Lewis.
The meditation rocks that are behind the monument are where Mary Washington would go and pray for her son while he was off in battle. Since Mary loved this area so much, Elizabeth decided to have her final resting place here.
Unfortunately, at the time of writing this (2025), there is no actual marker for Mary's grave; however, they are actively searching for it with ground penetration radar.
After visiting here, we decided that we also need to visit Kenmore, which is just now down the street.
If you are in the area, you really should take some time and visit both of the location. Quite fascinating."
Our Haunted Travels - PANICd
"Pretty Monument Mary Washington. There's also the grave site for the Gordon family of Kenmore around back of Mary's monument. Too bad the 80+ enslaved people the Gordon's owned don't have nice memorial there as well. Definitely take a walk down to meditation rock as well. It's a cool spot with a nice view down over Kenmore Park."
Andrew Kolar
"Very pretty monument, mediation rock and the Gordon family cemetery. There is a very nice family park behind this area."
Melissa G.
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mary Washington Monument is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It's easily accessible by car and is often visited in conjunction with the nearby Kenmore Plantation. Parking is available on-site.
While specific public transport routes directly to the monument might be limited, Fredericksburg does have local bus services. It's recommended to check the Fredericksburg Regional Transit website for the most current routes and schedules.
Many visitors find it convenient to drive between historical sites in Fredericksburg, such as the Mary Washington Monument and Kenmore Plantation. Consider using GPS or a local map for easy navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Mary Washington Monument grounds and Meditation Rocks is generally free. However, it's always a good idea to check the official National Park Service or local historical society website for any updates on access or fees.
The monument grounds are typically open during daylight hours. For specific hours or any seasonal changes, it's best to consult official local tourism or historical site information.
No, the Meditation Rocks are part of the monument grounds and are usually accessible without an additional fee. They offer a peaceful spot for reflection.
Yes, the outdoor monument and grounds are generally accessible year-round, weather permitting. However, it's advisable to check for any advisories during inclement weather.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see the monument itself, which is America's first monument to a woman. Also explore the Meditation Rocks and the nearby Gordon Family Cemetery.
Yes, the monument grounds and the adjacent park area offer a pleasant experience for families. It's a good spot for a short walk and to learn a bit of history.
The Meditation Rocks are historically significant as the place where Mary Washington would pray for her son, George Washington, while he was away at war.
While not extensive hiking trails, there are paths around the monument, to the Meditation Rocks, and through the adjacent park area, offering pleasant short walks.
From the Meditation Rocks, you can enjoy a nice view overlooking Kenmore Park, offering a scenic and tranquil perspective.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, creating a softer glow and fewer harsh shadows. Weekdays also mean fewer people in your shots.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always wise to be respectful of the historical site and any posted guidelines.
You can capture the monument itself, the serene Meditation Rocks, and the surrounding park landscape. The views from the rocks are particularly photogenic.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and national park areas to protect the sites and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check with local authorities or the National Park Service for specific regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider pairing this visit with a trip to the Kenmore Plantation for a more engaging historical experience that might capture younger imaginations with stories of plantation life. Keep the visit relatively short to maintain children's interest, focusing on the key historical points and the natural beauty of the surroundings.
History Buffs & Researchers
Researchers might find the ongoing efforts to locate Mary Washington's actual grave site particularly compelling. The connection to Kenmore Plantation and the Gordon family adds further layers to explore, offering insights into the social and economic structures of the time. Visiting this site provides a tangible link to the foundational period of the United States.
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The Legacy of Mary Washington
Her connection to the land is further cemented by her daughter, Elizabeth Lewis, and son-in-law, Fielding Lewis, who owned the Kenmore plantation. It was Elizabeth's decision to have her mother laid to rest in this cherished location, making the monument site deeply personal and historically rich. While Mary's exact grave marker is still a subject of ongoing research, the monument serves as a powerful symbol of her enduring presence and the sacrifices made by those who shaped the nation.
Visiting the monument offers a chance to connect with this history. The nearby Meditation Rocks provide a quiet space for contemplation, allowing visitors to imagine Mary's vigil. The Gordon Family Cemetery also adds another layer to the site's narrative, reminding us of the various families and individuals who lived and contributed to the area's past.
Exploring the Surrounding Historical Landscape
Beyond Kenmore, the Meditation Rocks behind the monument are a must-visit. These natural formations hold deep personal significance, as they were Mary Washington's sanctuary for prayer during times of conflict. The serene atmosphere here, coupled with the scenic views overlooking Kenmore Park, makes it a poignant spot for reflection on the sacrifices of the Revolutionary War era.
It's also important to acknowledge the complex history of the region. As noted by some visitors, the area was home to enslaved people, and while the monument honors Mary Washington and the Gordon family, the absence of memorials for the enslaved individuals who lived and worked on these lands is a point of reflection for some.
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