Fredericksburg and Its Many Points of Interest — John Shaqi
Fredericksburg and Its Many Points of InterestKishpaugh, Robert A.
History
Fredericksburg and Its Many Points of Interest
Kishpaugh, Robert A.
Fredericksburg (Va.) -- Guidebooks
In the center of the cemetery the State of Pennsylvania has erected a
monument to commemorate the charge of General Humphrey's Division, Fifth
Corps, in the battle of Fredericksburg, 1862.
The "Sentry Box"
On lower Main street was the residence of General George Weedon of
Revolutionary fame, and afterwards occupied by Colonel Hugh Mercer, a son
of General Hugh Mercer, who was killed at the battle of Princeton.
The name "Sentry Box" being applied on account of the unobstructed view
for some distance. It being used during the Revolutionary, War of 1812 and
Civil war, as a place to watch and give the alarm of the approach of the
enemy.
Rising Sun Tavern
One of the oldest buildings in Fredericksburg. General George Weeden,
years before the Revolutionary war, kept hotel in this house and was the
stopping place of Washington, LaFayette and other Colonial dignitaries.
[Illustration]
The Rising Sun Tavern is now owned by the Society for the Preservation of
Virginia Antiquities, who have renovated the building, but retaining in
every way the old style of architecture used in wooden buildings used in
the eighteenth century.
The Washington Farm
Looking directly across the river from the "Sentry Box" can be seen the
Washington Farm. This is where Geo. Washington was raised to manhood, and
it is said where he threw the silver dollar across the Rappahannock, also
where he chopped the famous cherry tree. One of the pontoon bridges used
in 1862 was built from this farm.
Kenmore
"Kenmore" was built in 1740 by Colonel Fielding Lewis, an officer who
commanded a division at the siege of Yorktown where Cornwallis
surrendered. It is said the bricks used to build this house were brought
from England, but this cannot be confirmed, but the interior stucco work
of this colonial mansion has stood for over a century and is supposed to
have been done by expert Englishmen.
[Illustration]
It was to Kenmore that Colonel Fielding Lewis took Bettie Washington,
(George's sister) as a bride.
[Illustration: VIEW IN CONFEDERATE CEMETERY]
The Mercer Monument
General Hugh Mercer, killed at the battle of Princeton, 1777, while
leading his men against the British. Over one hundred years after an
appropriation had been made by Congress, it evidently being overlooked, in
1906 the United States government erected this monument to his memory.
Situated in the center of Washington Avenue in the attitude of a patriot,
drawn sword in hand, he stands on a pedestal, ready to strike in defense
of his country. (See page 12 for illustration.)
General Mercer conducted a drug store in the building now standing, corner
Main and Amelia Streets, and lived at the "Sentry Box" with George Weeden,
until the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
Confederate Cemetery
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account