History & Culture

George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in the heart of the Northern Neck of Virginia and stands as a tribute to America's founding father, George Washington. Although only here a short time, the culture into which Washington was born helped shape the man he would become and influenced the destiny of the United States of America.

Established to honor the 200th birthday of the first president of the United States, visitors have come to George Washington’s birthplace for over a century to remember and commemorate his legacy. Although the park has several Colonial Revival structures that were built in the 1930s, the house in which Washington was born is no longer standing.
 

History of the Park

 

 
Base of the birthplace obelisk with Washington Birthplace etched in
Monumental Changes

The obelisk was built in 1896 to memorialize the birthplace of George Washington.

an excavated building foundation deep in the ground.
Building X

Discover one of the park's greatest mysteries.

visitors walking beside colonial revival kitchen to the memorial house museum
1930s Virtual Tour of the Birthplace

See what the park looked like in the 1930s and learn about the early history of the National Park Service at the birthplace.

 

People Throughout the History of the Land

 
 

Learn More About

  • Washington Family Cemetery
    Places

    Learn about some of the different places in the 550-acre park.

  • A wayside sitting at the edge of the land, overlooking pope's creek.
    Stories

    Discover some of the interesting stories in the park's history.

  • A closeup of a volunteer's hands in blue gloves, holding shards of ceramic to mend together.
    Research

    Learn about the research that has been conducted to further understand the history of the park and people.

Last updated: April 1, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1732 Popes Creek Road
Colonial Beach, VA 22443

Phone:

804 224-1732 x227

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