George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Description

This National Monument, administered by the National Park Service, allows visitors to view wildlife at the birthplace of our first president and offers stunning vistas of the Potomac River from beautiful bluffs.  The site offers an impressive abundance and diversity of birds; over 195 bird species have been observed here, including bald eagles, wintering waterfowl, woodpeckers, migrating warblers, blue grosbeaks, and orioles.  A 1-mile nature trail leads through coastal mixed pine forest and provides an interesting spot for viewing spring and fall migrants. A nearby pond is home to dragonflies, frogs and large snapping turtles. The staff at the visitor center, which is open year-round, can provide trail maps and other information.

In addition to the wildlife viewing, be sure to see the historical features of the site: the archaeological remains of the house in which George Washington was born and a Memorial House, dependencies, and farm constructed in 1931. Here, in the peace and beauty of this place untouched by time, the staunch character of our national hero comes to the imagination.

Directions

Physical Address: 1732 Pope’s Creek Rd, Washington Birthplace, VA, 22443-5115

From I-95 in Richmond/Ashland, continue north. Take exit 104 for SR 207 toward US 301/Carmel Church/Bowling Green and keep right to follow signs for Bowling Green/Fort AP Hill. Merge onto SR 207 E and, in 9.7 miles, continue onto SR 207 Bypass. In 1.4 miles, continue onto US 301 N for 16 miles. Turn right (east) onto SR 623/Jersey Rd and continue for 2.6 miles. Then, turn right onto SR 647 followed by a right onto SR 3 E/Kings Hwy. After 10.2 miles, turn left onto SR 204 E. In 1.7 miles, at the traffic circle, take the first exit and pull into the visitor center parking lot.