George Washington Birthplace National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

"First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen."

George Washington, America’s first and greatest hero, was crucial to the establishment of the United States as a nation founded on the principles of liberty. George Washington Birthplace preserves the heart of the Washington lands and a memorial plantation. Here, in the peace and beauty of this place untouched by time, the staunch character of our hero comes to the imagination.

"America's Best Idea"

Ken Burns' National Parks Documentary

Learn about the history and wonders of America's National Parks in Ken Burns' new film, THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA’S BEST IDEA. The six-episode, twelve-hour series is directed by Burns and produced with his long-time colleague, Dayton Duncan, who also wrote the screenplay. It airs Sunday, September 27 - Saturday, October 3.

At its heart, the film is the story of an idea, as uniquely American as the Declaration of Independence and just as radical – that the most special places in the nation should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone.

Filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature's most spectacular locales, the documentary is nonetheless a story of people: people from every conceivable background – rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; natives and newcomers; idealists, artists and entrepreneurs; people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved, and in doing so reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy.

It is a story full of struggle and conflict, high ideals and crass opportunism, stirring adventure and enduring inspiration – set against the most breathtaking backdrops imaginable. The narrative traces the birth of the national park idea in the mid-1800s and follows its evolution for nearly 150 years. It is simultaneously a biography of compelling characters and a biography of the American landscape. Don't miss it!

		Commemorative Area The Memorial House and Colonial Kitchen were constructed in 1931 to recreate the home in which George Washington was born. Typical of a moderately wealthy planter of the 1730's, the buildings are not true replicas of the original Washington plantation. The reconstructed plantation does successfully depict the culture and social standing of the Washingtons during George Washington's youth.

		Collections The Memorial House and Colonial Kitchen are fully furnished with over 1,000 museum pieces from the Colonial era.

Hogg Island sheep at George Washington Birthplace

Living Colonial Farm

The Living Colonial Farm has heritage livestock breeds and fowl typical of the Colonial era. Tobacco is grown in season.

Write to

Superintendent
1732 Popes Creek Road
Washington's Birthplace, VA 22443

E-mail Us

Phone

Park Headquarters
(804) 224-1732

Visitor Information
(804) 224-1732 ext. 227

Fax

(804) 224-2142

Climate

The park experiences all four distinct seasons. Temperatures vary in the summer from the 70s to the high 90s, typically low 90s with high humidity and frequent thunderstorms. Winters vary from mild and rainy to snow and ice. Temperatures range from the 40s to the teens. Spring and fall are typically pleasant in the 50s and 60s.