George Washington Birthplace National Monument
| Address: | 1732 Popes Creek Rd, Colonial Beach, VA 22443, USA |
| Phone: | +1 804-224-1732 |
| Site: | nps.gov |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 37
JA
Jason Boothe
Ill be honest, as much as a history buff as i can be, i wasnt even aware that this place existed. And the only reason why i do now, is because i passed the sign for it on my way to another place (which i ended up skipping) on the Northern Neck. It is a bit out-of-the-way, considering that the Northern Neck isnt know as a mecca of tourism. But you could easily package this in with several other sites and places in the area and make a good day of it. The Monument is pretty easy to find, just off of VA 3, with signage telling you where you need to turn. The monument sits on a pretty decent piece of ground, most of which is undeveloped. And it features some things that one would not expect to have in a place that is dedicated to the first President of the United States. But ill get to that as a go along. Your greeted right off the back with a miniature replica of the Washington Monument. Just to the right is the parking for the visitor center, to the left is the road which takes you to the family gravesite and nature area. Parking looks not to be a problem (at least is was far from one when i went), and its just a short walk to the visitor center, whose size is deceiving from the outside. I say deceiving in that i looks bigger then it is. Its really sort of small and limited on the inside, with a small gift shop, some exhibit areas, and a movie theater. Form the visitor center its a short walk to the "historic area". I state "historic area" in that its not really that historic, the buildings are all replicas (apparently even by the Park Services own admission not to accurate ones at that) built in the 1930s. But it does give you an idea of what a Northern Virginia plantation would have been in the mid 1700s. Outside of this main area the trail continues across a footbridge to a more naturalist area. I found this are to be the diamond in the rough. It contains a 1 mi long nature (and you will probably see nature, as i spotted at least 2 dear and several wild turkeys), a fishing area, one historic building, and a picnic / pavilion area. This area has its own separate facilities and parking from the main part of the park. There are a couple of other areas as well, a small beach on the Potomac and the Washington family burial area. But i cant speak for them as i didnt visit them. My Recommendations, if you go you might want to check ahead to see if any events are happening at the park, this would probably be the time to visit as their will be more activities. Otherwise i would make it part of a days excursion to other sites (the likes of Stratford Hall, the many vineyards, etc) on the Northern Neck as its hard to make a full day out of visiting this park.
PA
Patti Butcheck
Beautiful, historic grounds nestled along the waterfront. The Park Ranger giving the house tour was an amazing orator! His presentation was informative, fun, and full of rhythm and grace. I would recommend a visit just to experience his performance. I didnt plan to visit on the day I did visit. I was returning home from a weekend in Virginia when I saw the classic brown sign, and HAD to stop by. So my agenda was simple curiosity. I wished I had more time to spend. There is a small beach which you can enjoy. There are trails (I walked one briefly), and plenty of historical significance. The views are lovely. I was very lucky to make it for the house tour just shortly after my arrival.
DE
Deb Price
This place is a hidden gem. As others have written, the quide is knowledgeable, funny and obviously lives sharing the details of the home and grounds. What we learned here adds a piece to the puzzle of the what happened and to whom in this era of our country. Dont miss spending time here. Beautiful grounds.
HE
Heather McCleery Hamm
This is a wonderful day trip from Richmond. Because it is a bit "out if the way" it is rarely busy or crowded. It is a fascinating place to me because of not only George Washingtons but because if the colonial/settlers history as well.
FR
Freddie Dunn
Fun place to see when visiting the Northern Neck of Virginia. Free for the family and the tour guides love history and love sharing their knowledge. Very nice place to bring young children.
AL
Alexandru Savu
Absolutely amazing. Great tour. Beautiful landscape through out the entire property. Must be seen by any and everyone. Worried about the expenses?? Dont be, its FREE!! (Tip your tour guide)
MA
Marco Schirato
Aways from every thing. This place has preserved everything nicely. The welcome center offers a 10 min movie about the nation and the first 3 years of our first presidents life.
CH
Christopher Pece
Very nice natural setting, the rangers really love Washington, but the house is just a memorial house not the actual building. Ask about the Junior Ranger program for kids.
JE
Jessi Haskin
Gorgeous setting. Ranger Scott was a great tour guide! Loved getting to know a little more history about where our first president started his life.
JE
Jesse Ault
Great place to visit of youre in the area. Sometimes have events with reenacters in period dress who really make the farm come to life.
MA
Mark Wilkin
No original structure exists which takes away most of my draw. Presenters did a nice job of describing the history, however.
HE
Herman McDonald
Love this place. The best beach around. Great place to spend time with family and relaxing. Very beautiful place.
CH
Christen Hayes
Enjoyed our visit to George Washingtons birthplace. All the staff we encountered were very informative and nice
JO
John McFarland
Excellent tour from National Park ranger. The buildings are not original. Very good introduction film.
CH
Chandler Young
Great pictures on the beach and fun to explore, long ways away from everything
BE
Ben Malone
Rich with history, located on the Potomac. A beautiful drive from Richmond
DA
Daniel Mulyono
Nice, secluded, and quiet. A good place for a date with a nice scenery.
PE
Peter Rippingale
Great views from the visitors center, idyllic place, worth a visit.
EL
Elizabeth B. Hardy
A serenely beautiful natural setting and a powerful historic site.
MI
mike liller
Amazing to walk in such a beautiful and historical place.
MI
Mike Parks
Great day trip. Robert E. Lee was born a few miles away.
SR
Sr. Fox
Beautiful grounds with lots of historic information.
A.
A.M. S.
We had a great tour guide! Beautiful location!
JO
John Porter
Very informative and enjoyable place to visit.
AN
Andrea Levesque
Historical places are interesting to see!
SC
Scott Gast
Check out the beach for sharks teeth.
PH
Phillip P.
Not the actual house. Great history.
FU
Funez Jair
A Great place ,to be with the Family
AN
Andy Gribbin
Very nice park and great staff
RU
Ruth Ann Kennedy
Closing. Need to go back.
TO
Todd White
Quiet, nice surprise.
MI
Michael Edsall
Cool historical place
JO
Joanne Howell
One of my favorites!
LA
Lauren Anastasi
Simply stunning
RI
Rika Riley
Great service!
MA
Mark Baker
Great beach
LI
lizzy mitchell
Beautiful
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