It encompasses 551 acres of land where seven generations of the Washington family lived and where George Washington was born in 1732. The park was also central to one of the earliest efforts to memorialize George Washington during the celebration of his bicentennial birth anniversary in 1932.
Photo: NPS / Cleo Kantz-Schultz
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in the Northern Neck of Virginia.
- LocationColonial Beach, VA
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Alerts 2 active alerts
Overview
- American Revolution
- American Revolutionary War
- Animals
- Archeology
- Architecture and Building
- Birthplace
- Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
- Climate Change
18 more topics
- Colonial/European Contact Conflicts
- Enslavement
- Farming and Agriculture
- Forests and Woodlands
- Fossils and Paleontology
- Geology
- Marshes
- Monuments and Memorials
- Native American Heritage
- Natural Sounds
- Plantations
- Presidents
- River and Riparian
- Scenic Views
- Swamps
- Wars and Conflicts
- Wetlands
- Women's History
Alerts (2)
The Picnic Area, Washington Family Burial Ground, and Potomac River Beach are open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
The Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Things to Do
9 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Attend a George Washington Birthplace Ranger Program
Join a park ranger at the visitor center for a short half mile walking tour to explore the stories of this land from Colonial to Colonial Revival.
Learn more about Attend a George Washington Birthplace Ranger Program on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 1 of 1
All 14 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Watching
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Guided Tours
- Junior Ranger Program
- Picnicking
- Arts and Culture
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Canoeing
- Food
- Kayaking
Show 2 more activities
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Main
Hours details
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MainDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
The Memorial Area is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
1732 Popes Creek RoadColonial Beach, VA 22443
Contact the park
Upcoming Events
5 coming up-
Step into the Memorial House Museum
About
By the early 1800s, the house in which George Washington was born no longer stood, and its exact location was forgotten. In 1923, the Wakefield National Memorial Association envisioned an uplifting commemorative tribute to Washington that would, in their view, symbolize his early life and experiences. In 1931, the Memorial House Museum was built— and a new chapter in how we remember the origins of our first President began.
The Memorial House Museum is open Wednesday - Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Step into the story and meet a ranger, view exhibits, or take an audio tour using the NPS app.
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Step into the Memorial House Museum
About
By the early 1800s, the house in which George Washington was born no longer stood, and its exact location was forgotten. In 1923, the Wakefield National Memorial Association envisioned an uplifting commemorative tribute to Washington that would, in their view, symbolize his early life and experiences. In 1931, the Memorial House Museum was built— and a new chapter in how we remember the origins of our first President began.
The Memorial House Museum is open Wednesday - Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Step into the story and meet a ranger, view exhibits, or take an audio tour using the NPS app.
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Archeology Day in the Park
About
For two Saturdays in October, park staff invite you to explore the archeology of George Washington’s birthplace during Archeology Days in the Park.
On October 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors can watch as artifacts and museum objects within the park's collections are scanned to create 3D models. Guests will also have the opportunity to interact hands-on with the virtual models and ask questions.
On October 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., park rangers will offer a variety of family-friendly activities that introduce visitors to the scientific methods archeologists use to understand how people lived in the past through the objects they left behind.
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Taken to the Grave
About
Join park rangers on October 24th for a free, family-friendly evening program titled Taken to the Grave. This special one-hour presentation will take place at 6:30 p.m. near the Washington Family Burial Ground at George Washington Birthplace National Monument. Glowing lanterns will illuminate the final resting place of Washington family members and shine light on mysteries that only they can solve. Taken to the Grave promises to be fun for all ages… and perhaps just a little spooky.
To participate in this special program, visitors should meet no later than 6:15 p.m. in the Washington Family Burial Ground parking lot. Staff will be on hand to assist with parking.
Show 1 more events
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Welcoming Winter: Rekindling Colonial Traditions
About
George Washington Birthplace National Monument invites you to experience the warmth and wonder of colonial life during the holiday season with “Welcoming Winter: Rekindling Colonial Traditions” on Saturday, December 19, two days before the winter solstice. This festive event offers a full day of demonstrations to mark the beginning of winter.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Memorial Area will be abuzz with activity. Blacksmiths will fire up the forge, seasonal recipes will be cooked over an open hearth, and skilled textile artisans will weave on the loom.Adding a touch of holiday fun, the Annual Holiday Ornament Hunt invites you to search the Memorial Area for hidden ornaments that reveal clues to a Christmas-themed riddle. Those who solve the riddle can return to the Visitor Center to receive a special seasonal gift.
In the event of inclement weather, programming may be altered or canceled.
Getting There
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
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.
Mailing address: 1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach, VA 22443