George Washington's Birthplace - Part I

[August 20, 2013] After visiting Washington D.C. on our last trip to Virginia we decided to visit one more historical site.  It was actually my mother-in-law's idea.  I don't know if I've mentioned it here, but a while ago I realized that I needed to make sure to see some historical site (preferably one in the National Park Service) each time I visit Virginia--or I'd never see them all.

We encourage you to come and explore one of the first historic sites in the National Park Service and to experience the landscape that shaped this "essential man."

George Washington was born at Popes Creek in 1732 and remained at this plantation until age 3 when the family moved to another one of the family's properties at Ferry Farm near Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Popes Creek farm stayed in the Washington family until it passed first to the state of Virginia and then to the Federal government for preservation and protection.--from National Park Service, George Washington's Birthplace National Monument

On Tuesday, August 20, we drove up to George Washington's birthplace, along the Potomac River.  When we pulled into the parking lot we saw some birds out by the water.

Inside the Visitor Center we watched a short movie, and then looked around at the exhibits.  Right by the theater were some signs about Washington's family.

There was also a spot to pose for a fun picture, so we nominated Abigail for the role.

Then we headed outside towards the historic section.

Think you're back in DC?  not quite.  This is a one-tenth scale replica of the Washington Monument located on the grounds of the memorial.

At Popes Creek Plantation, George Washington was born into the plantation culture he would know his entire life.  Today, no visible vestiges of the plantation remain.  Instead, exhibits, buildings, and interpreters on the site give a sense of the lifestyle that would help shape the values of the most famous of all Americans. 

The site of the main house--George Washington's birthplace--is clearly marked.  Surrounding the birthplace is the memorial area, constructed in the 1930s to commemorate the bicentennial of Washington's birth.  The working colonial farm was crated in 1968.  The sights, sounds, and methodical pace of Washington's times are faithfully reflected here.--exhibit signage, The Historical Area

The house is a recreation from the 30s that they thought was on the right spot, but thankfully as it turns out it isn't, so archeological work has been able to shed more light on the house than would have been possible if the reconstruction (of a different style) had been on top of it.  Here you can see a glimpse of the buildings that exist in the historic area (sorry I didn't have access to a plane to take a picture for myself from the same vantage point).

This was the location of the dairy.

I joined a tour of the house--not knowing it was locked up at other times.  Amy was feeding Abigail, so she, my mother-in-law, and sister-in-law didn't get to see the inside of the house.

This was the dining room.  The original house burned down at some point--so there is no original furniture left.

This is one of two pieces that is original to the house.  I think it looks like a giant Hershey's kiss.

My sister-in-law Joanna was taking pictures in the garden when I came back outside, so I joined her.

I don't remember what the center structure was.

These fascinating flowers were right by the garden's front gate.  I posted a picture on Facebook and one friend said they were on current issue stamps and someone else said they are Passion Flowers.

I think the sundial worked, it didn't look like it had dead batteries, ;-).

There were quite a few flowers throughout the area.

As well as a few plants that hadn't been picked or gone to seed.

The garden was quite green.  I wonder how much gardens like these get used--if they leave the fruits/veggies for guests to see and critters to eat, or if they're picked and used.

It really was a very nice space.

The wood fence made for an interesting shot.

More flowers were visible--though not all of the shots turned out.  I'm slowly learning to take several pictures of anything I think is really worth photographing since not all of them will turn out.

Peeking into the garden through the fence.

And lastly here is a view of much of the garden.

I think this post is long enough, so I'll wrap it up tomorrow.

~Matt