Class is in session and we are exploring Fredericksburg, Virginia’s rich and fascinating history.

In this episode of Give, Work, Play, we’re going back to the classroom for a quick (when I say quick I am talking under 4 minutes) history lesson on Fredericksburg from 1728 to today. We’ll travel through time and learn some amazing facts along the way.

Notable Namesakes

The city of Fredericksburg was established by an act by the Virginia General Assembly in 1728 on land that was originally patented by John Bruckner and Thomas Royston of Essex County in 1681. It was named for Frederick, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of King George II of Great Britain and father of King George III.

In addition, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Virginia statute for religious freedom in Fredericksburg. Also, George Washington's mother Mary lived in the city for 17 years, while his sister Betty lived at Kenmore—which is a plantation house located in what is now modern-day Fredericksburg.

Other significant residents included Revolutionary War generals Hugh Mercer and George Weedon, Naval war hero John Paul Jones, and future US President James Monroe. The University of Mary Washington was also founded in Fredericksburg in 1908 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women.

Inventions & Architecture

Fredericksburg is home to many interesting fun facts. For example, the power cord of the modern guitar was actually first developed by Link Wray, one of the top 50 guitarists of all time in Fredericksburg in 1958. During his first improvisation of the instrumental piece called Rumble, a single released by Ray and his Ray Men.

As you stroll among the 350 original 18th and 19th-century buildings in Fredericksburg in the 40-block National Historic District, Civil War street art and other works of art make great photos when walking around these historic streets. And yes, you may still find some cobblestone, too.

While not serving food or drink since 1827, the Rising Sun Tavern Museum provides a lively interpretation of the late 18th-century tavern life. Charles Washington, George Washington's youngest brother, built this landmark in the 1760s as his private residence.

Battlefields & Old Establishments

Fredericksburg has four Civil War battlefields: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania. Hugh Mercer was a Scottish soldier and a friend of George Washington. He also was a socially acceptable witch doctor who started his own apothecary on the advice of Washington.

Today, you can actually visit the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, where staff in period costumes will explain the methods and ingredients used in the colonial version of medicine. I also want to mention to you a place called Goolrick’s, which opened in 1867 in Old Town Fredericksburg. It's currently known for milkshakes, chicken salad, and prescription drugs.

Fredericksburg Homes

Did you know that some homes still have cannonballs in them? I know, it's super crazy, right? You can actually take a trolley tour from downtown, and they're going to give you a great history lesson on the area as well as point out the homes and buildings where there were or currently are cannonballs.

Additionally, some homes have the original fireplace in them. Just think about that for a second: how cool would it be to sit by the fire that a Civil War general once sat around? What a unique experience that you could have in buying that type of home.

There are many different types of homes in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and I'd love the opportunity to discuss them more with you. Feel free to reach out to me and I’ll be happy to help. Don’t forget to also subscribe to my Youutbe channel so you never miss an episode of Give, Work, Play, my show all about living in Northern Virginia.