Kenmore

1201 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA

Address:	1201 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA
Phone:	+1 540-373-3381
Site:	kenmore.org
Rating:	4.7
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 17

Richard Lee Terry

KENMORE MANSION IN SPRING. Georgian-style house built by George Washingtons only sister Betty and her husband Fielding Lewis, a wealthy local merchant. Betty married Fielding at sixteen and bore him eleven children! (Note outbuildings on right. Id settle for a house that looked like one of those bldgs. Kenmore is just a few short blocks from the heart of town. A nice residence to have in the hood. Just one of the gang.) During the Revolutionary War, Lewis loaned the State of Virginia (officially, the Commonwealth of Virginia) money to build and operate a gun factory in Fredericksburg, £7000 of which (a LOT of $$$) was never repaid. He died in 1781 nearly broke, borrowing money just to continue financing the war. (Was this man a PATRIOT or what!) I guess this was how Virginia balanced its budget in those days, much like the Federal government does today - ON THE BACKS OF ITS CITIZENS! (But keep those tax dollars flowing, my annuity check depends on it! My wife divorces herself from this last comment - cluck, cluck, cluck. Hey, you gotta maintain your sense of humor in all this mess we have today.) P.S. The War wreaked havoc on the financial system, inflation was rampant and currencies plummeted. The "dollar" was a respectable currency when introduced by the Continental Congress, but virtually worthless just three years later when finally eliminated. A number of prominent Colonial figures died mired in debt, near broke or penniless, whether due to their own errors or conditions beyond their management. These include U.S. Presidents Jefferson, Madison and Monroe. Clearly, Presidents were not immune from financial ruin either. Undoubtedly, some were felled by wholly self-inflicted wounds, human nature being what it is. (My wife toured Kenmore with her brother and his wife when they visited from out of state. Your popularity rises when you live in this area. At least until guests depart.)

Michael Valdivielso

Cute little house built in 1770s for Betty Washington, George Washingtons sister, and their mother Mary Washington was buried on the ground. It was used as a hospital during the American Civil War, like almost every other building in Virginia, and most noted for the decorative plaster work. And is haunted. HAUNTED! Not that I saw anything when I was there so who knows. Nice gardens too. You will need to buy a ticket but you do get a tour.

Benjamin Hackett

Beautiful historic home. Paid tour of interior, gardens open to public. Tour worth it, because the inside is gorgeous (as are many historic 18th century homes, but this one especially). Gardens well kept, simple museum. Unfortunately, the gift shop does not sell a guide book, no interior picture taking, and incomplete historical account of era.

Kari Lipscomb

Our tour guide John was very knowledgeable of the home and its history. He took time to answer our questions. I highly recommend this as a stop when you tour Fredericksburg, VA. The home has ties to George Washington and later on to the Civil War.

Josephine Billingslea

Great place to gain knowledge of the amazing history of Fredericksburg, VA! Gift shop, re enactment both worth the time. Friendly knowledgeable staff. The grounds alone are definitely a sight to see.

Michael Naish Jr

Very cool stop to make in Fredricksburg. The museum was well done and the house had recently been restored. They are trying to also refurnish it with native Virginia furniture.

Earl Bruzan

Kenmore continues to be one of our favorite stops on our way to Williamsburg. Long ago I purchased a framed sketch of this home, which I have displayed in my history room.

A Private User

Its amazing. About $10 to tour the house and the museum. The ceiling art is magnificant. Must see in Fredericksburg. Very intersting history.

Nancy C. McCord

Wow, super nicely curated museum, excellent docent. House was lovely and wonderfully decorated with some original furniture pieces.

A Private User

Everyone should stop in here at least once, to check out some american history.

Matt Powell

Wonderfull historic house with well informed tour guides

Diane Kinney

Great tour, interesting history and wonderful artistry.

Hunter Keiser

Definitely a fun stop on any tour of Fredericksburg