The George Washington Birthplace National Monument is a showplace with something of interest to visitors of just about any age. In fact, education is a big here, with a number of hands-on educational programs presented in the National Monument and conducted in school classrooms. Environmental education programs range from the tidal Potomac River to wetlands and marsh habitat. Costumed guides at the park offer presentations of what life was like in the 1700s.
   The Washington Birthplace park, approaching the century mark, is located about 40 miles from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Fredericksburg is also famous for George Washington's Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm. Back to the National Monument, this site commemorates Washington’s birth in 1732. The first American President lived on what was known as Popes Creek Plantation until he was three years old, and reportedly returned as a teenager when he was studying surveying.
   The park, which is operated by the National Park Service, includes a Visitor Center, historic areas containing the brick foundation of the house where Washington was born, a memorial house, kitchen, and typical plantation surroundings. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely lunch on the picnic grounds, hike a nature trail or visit the Washington family cemetery where George’s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather are buried.
   Although the original house in which Washington was born is long gone, the memorial house takes its place today. The house, as well as the nearby kitchen house, was built to represent typical houses of the upper classes of the period. Park literature says, "it's most likely a bit finer than the house in which Washington was born." Barnyard animals, like rare Narragansett turkeys, chickens, ducks and sheep roam the grounds. Herb and flower gardens are dotted here and there on the expansive, immaculately kept grounds.

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