While looking for the Pyramid, keep going to almost the very end of Lee Drive and you'll see the…read morePyramid past the railroad tracks in the distance to your left. And since you're visiting the Pyramid, take your time going down Lee Drive. Many Confederate fighting positions are still visible, including an artillery site and trench works. I found this to be more interesting than the Pyramid itself. While you can see the Pyramid from the road you can't get close to it, since it's on the other side of an active Amtrak line. About the battle: While the Union's river crossing on Day 1 and heroic attack on the Sunken Road at Marye's Heights on Day 3 get plenty of attention, Day 2 is often overlooked. In fact Meade's attack against the southern Confederate flank on Day 2 almost broke through their lines, but failed mostly because of poor communication between Union commanders. The "pyramid" stands near the point of the Union's greatest penetration. The "Slaughter Pen" (which has its own Yelp entry) is on the opposite side of the wood line. Unfortunately the Confederate and Union positions are separated by the railroad, so you can't walk the entire length of the battlefield. Funny thing about the Pyramid - it was actually built by southerners. The idea for a monument was pitched by the Confederate Memorial Literary Society to Virginia railroad execs who sought to memorialize the battle in a location visible to train travelers. The pyramid shape is based on the monument to the Unknown Confederate dead in Richmond.

A very cool hidden gem in Fredericksburg - there is a path that you can walk down but I don't think…read moreyou're supposed to. There is a train track in between the path and the pyramid. You can pull off of the road and take pictures with a zoomed lens. It was a bit challenging to find - my Apple Maps took me to the wrong place (completely different battlefield!) but android seemed to have it down just fine. Just make sure you're going to the location near Lee Dr!

During the bloody Civil War battle of Fredericksburg, the Confederate Army devastated the Union…read moretroops as they tried to charge the hill at Marye's Heights, leaving wounded and dying soldiers scattered across the battlefield. When night fell after the day's pitched battle, countless (overwhelmingly Union) soldiers lay freezing and dying on the ground, where both sides could clearly hear them crying out for water. Hearing these dying pleas, Confederate soldier Richard Rowland Kirkland, decided to do something about their pain. Kirkland asked the commanding general if he could head out to the battlefield and provide water to the wounded men, but his request was denied. However after listening to the men's cries a while longer, Kirkland pressed the point and the general allowed him to take to the exposed battleground and provide aid. Kirkland's request to carry a white flag so that he would not be shot by the active Union soldiers was denied. Undeterred, the brave soldier set out with his canteen to soothe the dying men. Though many were apprehensive at first, the Union forces soon caught on to his charity and did not fire on Kirkland. The generous soldier was able to make several separate trips out onto the battlefield with water, each time risking being shot by the tense men on either side. Kirkland's selfless actions earned him the nickname "Angel of Marye's Heights." In 1965, a statue honoring Kirkland was unveiled at the Fredericksburg battlefield site. The Sons of Confederate Veterans posthumously awarded Kirkland their Confederate Medal of Honor, which was created long after the war's end in 1977. The lone bronze memorial memorial commemorates Kirkland's bravery and humanity in the face of imminent death.

We were treated to a private tour of the home and grounds, purely by luck, and the glimpse into…read morewhat took place at that home during both the Revolutionary and Civil was was astounding. One of the most remarkable preservations was the carefully sculpted plaster ceiling whose delicate features had survived since 1775 despite cannon fire tearing a hole in the wall! I won't delve into the details that our guide recalled with not only amazing retention but with showmanship, however, the historical significance was worth the trip. Definitely worth the price of admission (I think it was around $12) and your time during a trip to historic Fredericksburg.

Tony and I spent the night in Fredericksburg MD in hopes of being able to get into some of these…read morelovely historic sites But many of them were closed due to Covid-19 This Plantation home was the house of Fielding Lewis and his wife Betty Washington, the sister of George Washington. Their mother, Mary Washington is buried very close to her home. The Plantation grounds were closed but we were able to see the house and outer buildings from the gate. We are planning another trip back in the late spring

Not safe for walking. Poorly maintained trails, no sidewalks by road, cars speeding around turns.read more

took the Bernard's Cabin trail. nice reasonably flat 1-1.5 mile (depending on which turns you…read moretake) trail through the woods. very relaxing, and even someone with some mobility issues (I need an ankle rebuilt) can make it without too much trouble.

Most unfriendly, unwelcoming staff. A smile would have been nice, but they spent 5 minutes telling…read moreus why we can't go inside for a tour today with a sour face. Thanks Karen. Won't be back

I'm a huge history guy, presidential history, to be exact. This location was part of a week long…read moretour of Virginia, visiting all sorts of historical sites. Overall, I'm glad I experienced "Ferry Farm", and I think any history buff would say the same. I was originally concerned because some reviews were so negative. But it's obvious they've done substantial work since then... Overall, not much to see; that part is true. If you go, you're going to see a replica home based on archeological data. Apparently, there used to be only the foundation discovered by archeologists here, hence the disappointed reviewers. Now, you'll see a house and get to tour it, but it's NOT original. No matter; this experience, in my opinion, is focused on learning about the painstaking work people have put in to save part of Washington's past. You'll learn how lucky we are to even have this location. There is stunning history here, including the fact Union encampments flooded this very site during the battle of Fredericksburg. For what you get, the price point is about right. The tour of a replica home is a tad too long, and I feel you should be able to access the interior of the home with or without a guide. This location is worth your time, but don't be expecting Monticello. Total time spent here: 1hr 15 min. Will be much less if you don't tour the home.

Amazing piece of colonial history where George Washington's mother lived. This is a must see site…read moreamong many in Fredericksburg.

We stopped by Fredericksburg on our drive. Super cute town. We went by the Mary Washington House…read moreand walked the grounds. A few people were outside and one lady gave us a lot of history on the house and area. I would definitely come back to do a whole tour!

Chatham Manor is the kind of place that makes you slow your steps without realizing it--because it…read morefeels important. Built in the 1760s, this isn't just a historic home; it's a front-row seat to centuries of American history layered in one breathtaking setting. From its elegant Georgian architecture to the sweeping view of the Rappahannock River, everything about Chatham feels intentional, enduring, and quietly powerful. During the Civil War, this estate became Union headquarters after Fredericksburg and was transformed into one of the largest field hospitals of the war. Standing on the lawn, it's impossible not to imagine rows of tents and wounded soldiers stretching toward the river. Inside the house, history echoes--Clara Barton moved through these rooms tending the injured, Dr. Mary Walker broke barriers here with her fearless medical service, and Walt Whitman visited, absorbing the human cost of war that would later shape his writing. Few places can claim that kind of convergence of compassion, intellect, and resolve. What makes Chatham extraordinary is how alive it feels. This isn't a rope-and-glass museum experience. It's immersive, thoughtful, and deeply moving without being heavy-handed. The house, the grounds, the views--everything works together to remind you that pivotal moments didn't happen in textbooks; they happened in real rooms, with real people, making impossible decisions. Chatham Manor is beautiful, haunting, and awe-inspiring in the truest sense. If you love history that gives you goosebumps and leaves you thinking long after you leave, this place deserves a spot at the top of your list.

This is one of my favorite "hidden gems" in Fredericksburg. It's part of Fredericksburg National…read moreBattlefield Park and there is an informative display and film inside the manor house if you're interested in the history of the property. The standouts for me though are the gorgeous formal gardens and the amazing views across the river to historic old town Fredericksburg. There is no bad time to visit but early spring for cherry blossoms, daffodils, tulips and dogwoods and late spring for Iris and peonies (and the early roses) are my favorite times to visit. Parking is free, the gardens are free and the museum is a suggested donation.

In Fredericksburg VA, Tony and I stopped at the Monument of Mary Washington which is the beloved…read moreMother of President George Washington. His birthday is just around the corner. I parked at the curb, turned on my emergency flashers and braved the 18 degree weather at 7am. With the icy wind whipping around me, I climbed the stone steps to the walkway to her tomb below the tall slender Monument on her burial place. This is located just down the street from Kenmore Plantation, Home of her daughter, Betty Washington (sister of George) who was married to Fielding Lewis. Behind Mary Washington Tomb is the Graves of the Gordon Family who also lived at Kenmore Plantation. This is Free to visit so if you are in the area stop by and show your respect!!!

Wonderful stone stele: like the Washington Monument in D.C. in memory of President George…read moreWashington's mother Mary! Nice grounds with profuse green grass, small cemetery, playground and fences. Lots of places to park and a neat spot away from the townie hostility at the Fredericksburg visitor center. Tucked-away treat. Bring a drink. Rebel review: 5

I bought the pass for 12 museums and this might have been my favorite out of all of them. So…read moreinteresting to learn what herbs and medicines were used...some of them effective, and some of them way off the mark for different ailments. We were allowed to smell some of the concoctions. Some of the 'medicines' of this time would still work today as many were based on herbs and plants. The people who do the tours dress in historic costume and stay in character for the tour and they do such an excellent job. Honestly, they were so full of interesting stories, that if I was ever back in Fredericksburg, I would take the tour again!

Such a cool tour!! Very much worth it. Two different rooms and a whole upstairs and don't skip the…read moregarden!