Fredericksburg Overlooked...

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Nestled at the very Southern end of what is called "Northern Virginia"- a region known for its suburban strip malls, rows of houses that all look the same, and disgruntled governmental employees, lies the small city of Fredericksburg. This town with its rich history in both the War Between The States as well as the  American Revolution, is a hidden gem for tourists.  While it boasts Mary Washington college, historic sites and connections to George Washington, many weary 1-95 travelers use Fredericksburg as a stop over between New York and Florida. In years past, Fredericksburg was largely disconnected from the bustle of the Northern Virginia region. In more recent years , however, it has  become a bedroom community for Washington D.C. commuters. With its advantageous geographic location,  many people working in Washington  choose to live in the Fredericksburg area  to get more affordable  housing outside the expensive suburbs. Some may even refer to Fredericksburg as a "poor man's Charlottesville". Its a  well known college town, but it doesn't have the illustrious mountain back drop, Thomas Jefferson's mystique,  nor the kind of hype and prestige given to that blue ridge town.

However, Fredericksburg itself is a beautiful historic city. Its full of charm. It has numerous art galleries, museums, and fine dining restaurants. Why is it overlooked so much? Apparently, most people see it as that little city  stuck between Richmond and D.C.  Maybe a place to stop for gas , even. But its got a lot more to it. I was pleased to realize that I have family connections to the area. My great great great great grandfather was George Rowe- a well known Baptist minister and farmer. His house on 801 Hanover Street-  "The Rowe House" was used as an army field hospital during the battles of Fredericksburg both in 1862 as well as in 1864.  Fighting around the city of Fredericksbug was very intense at times. An old legend  goes that Federal officers bombarded the Rowe house.  Union officers demanded  supper one evening , while a young lady of the house , (who was nursing a small child of her own at the time),  obliged by saying "Yes indeed Sir, but we only have a bit of cornmeal for myself and the little one". This story is not unusual. Many beautiful and gracious homes in Fredericksburg were besieged by the relentless Federal armies. And yet the people of Fredericksburg survived it all.  They are strong people. They are "Fredneckers".

If you do use Fredericksburg as your interstate "pit stop" , do stop by one of the many wonderful art galleries. Enjoy the battlefield and its museums. Oh, and you must stop by Carl's ice cream Shop. Its a roadside attraction! Voted one of the best ice cream places in the nation, Carl's has been in operation since 1947. Don't be surprised if you see a line a block long to get some of that good stuff. Also, explore some of the fine dining in town,   George Washington did sleep here. After all, the college is named after his mother!   Visit historic "Kenmore Plantation" - the home of Fielding Lewis. Its beautiful house and grounds are also home to many archaeological exhibits in the area. Lots of good BBQ, and plenty of fishing along the Rappahannock. Yes, Fredericksburg is a diamond in the rough. Stop by , sit a spell, and enjoy some of it.

Comments

  1. marycccJune 1, 2016 at 9:15 AM

    Hi George rowe was my great great great grandfather. I think. I know my grandmother's grandfather was george rowes son. His name was John Gallatin Rowe. Are you going to the rowe Reunion in July.

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    Replies
    1. Meade Skelton HaufeJune 9, 2016 at 8:24 PM

      Hi. Thanks for your comment! I am descended through George Rowe's daughter- Frances aka "Fanny" Rowe who married George King and moved to Richmond after the War. George Rowe is my 4th great grandfather. So I guess we are distant cousins! I do indeed plan on attending the Rowe Family reunion. I will only be able to go to the earlier portion. I am interested also in learning connections to Robert King Carter through Lucy Leitch, the wife of George Rowe.

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