One of the best ways to start any city visit is to take an overview tour. In Fredericksburg, Virginia, a downtown trolley tour is offered several times daily, highlighting the major attractions.
I boarded the bright red trolley, affectionately known as “Gracie,” in front of the Visitor Center at 601 Caroline Street. Visitors can purchase tickets at the Visitor Center or online.
Settling in, I enjoyed the excellent narrative by our driver.
We learned about the many famous and interesting people who have lived here, including those who called Fredericksburg home. We also heard about events that have taken place since the city was established in 1728.
During his formative years, George Washington lived across the Rappahannock River. He attended school and church in Fredericksburg. His mother moved to the city when she grew older, and his brother had a home in Fredericksburg. Both are open to the public for tours.
As the website states, we passed a monument to Thomas Jefferson, who, in 1777, gathered with his colleagues in Fredericksburg and drafted the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. This document was so powerful that it ultimately led to religious freedoms in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.
Another monument honors Mary Washington, George’s mother, dedicated on May 10, 1894, more than a century after her death.
Although her exact burial place is unknown, Mary’s daughter buried her here in 1789. This place was well-known to Mary, and she would have visited it for solace and prayer.
The Fifth U.S. President, James Monroe, also worked as a prominent attorney here before entering politics and lived in the city. Guests can visit Monroe’s Museum and Memorial Library.
In addition to colonial and revolutionary times, Fredericksburg was the site of four major Civil War battles. In 1862, the Battle of Fredericksburg was fought in and around the downtown historic district.
We passed many of the homes, churches, and buildings used by both Confederate and Union fighting forces during these battles, many of which still bear the scars of the Civil War.
As we passed several historic locations, the trolley would stop, the driver would ring the bell, and a guide would open the front door to quickly wave at trolley passengers.
The 75-minute tour goes fast as you learn local and national history and get an idea of some places you may want to explore further.
For more information, click here. To learn more about all the historic and interesting attractions in Fredericksburg, click here.
