George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Overlook of Popes Creek

View of Popes Creek

Long back in gravel site

George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in the Northern Neck of Virginia. It encompasses 550 acres of the former Popes Creek Plantation, the American ancestral home of the Washington Family where George Washington was born. In addition to a Colonial Revival farm, burial ground, visitor center, and historic structures, the park also has picnic grounds and a public beach.

Memorial House Museum and Colonial Kitchen

Historic Area landscape of the Memorial House and Colonial Kitchen

Viewing the Park

Visiting the park in the 1930's

Cemetery

Four generations of Washingtons are buried here.

Popes Creek

This is the scene that our visitors see from our Visitor Center

Memorial House

The Memorial House is framed by beautiful crepe mrytles

Special Events

Our special events draw thousands to the park every year, like this Revolutionary War Encampment

Monument

This monument was placed in 1896, just 11 years after the Washington Monument in Washington, DC was placed and stands 55 feet tall, 1/10th the size of the original

Small picnic and campfire area overlooking a beautiful ravine

RecAreaDirections

George Washington Birthplace is located two miles from Virginia State Highway 3 on Virginia State Route 204. The park is located 38 miles east of Fredericksburg, 11 miles west of Montross, and 10 miles west of Colonial Beach.

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Facilities

George Washington Birthplace National Monument Picnic Pavilion Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

The Popes Creek Picnic Area Pavilion is located within George Washington Birthplace National Monument. The surrounding picnic grounds were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. A connecting foot bridge leads to the historic area, farm, colonial garden, visitor center and gift shop. The Washington family burial ground is located one mile away.

Recreation

George Washington Birthplace offers a variety of recreational activities including fishing on Popes Creek and on the Potomac River, canoeing and kayaking from the Potomac River beach, hiking, bike riding on park roads, and bird watching.

Facilities

The 30' by 42' picnic pavilion contains 12 picnic tables and two grills. Restrooms, a water fountain and electrical outlet are 80' away. Parking is available for 25 vehicles on a first come first served basis. A dumpster and recycling bin are available.

Natural Features

The pavilion and picnic area sit on a bluff overlooking the mouth of Pope's Creek with views of the Potomac River in the distance. A one mile nature trail meanders along the shore of Popes Creek and through wooded areas. A connecting trail and series of boardwalks takes visitors through Dancing Marsh and into the historic area.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous attractions surround the area, including: Westmoreland State Park, Stratford Hall Plantation (Birthplace of Robert E. Lee), Historic Christ Church, Historic Fredericksburg, Menokin (Home of Francis Lightfoot Lee), Northern Neck Wine Trail, The Lower Potomac River Water Trail, The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Belle Isle State Park and James Monroe Birthplace.

Visitor Center open Wednesday through Sunday Facility

The Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:30 - 4:30. On Mondays and Tuesdays, there are no park staff to assist visitors.

Recreation Areas and Campground Database