Historic Kenmore - The Fredericksburg Home Of Fielding & Betty Lewis
This brick, Georgian-style mansion reflects the pre-Revolutionary War wealth and status of Fredericksburg merchant, Fielding Lewis. Fielding was married to Betty Washington, George Washington’s sister. This was the main house, built in the 1770’s, and the only surviving building of the Kenmore Plantation, which grew tobacco, wheat and corn. Fielding and Betty enslaved more than 80 people on the 1,300 acre plantation, including a number of domestic slaves. During the Revolutionary War, Lewis loaned the state of Virginia money to build and support a gun factory in Fredericksburg. This money was never paid back and he lost a great deal of money during the war because he was not able to carry on his mercantile business. The house and outbuildings were used as makeshift Union military hospital and federal troops sheltered here on their way to Richmond. Betty outlived Fielding and lived in the house until her death in 1797. The property went through several owners before the Gordon family acquired it in 1819, and gave it the name ‘Kenmore’. The house, a National Historic Landmark, is notable for the remarkable decorative plaster work on the ceilings of many of the rooms on the first floor. The house remained in private hands until the George Washington’s Fredericksburg Foundation saved the house from destruction in the 1920’s. There is a small museum in the Visitors Center.
Here is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!
Do you like the images posted?
Click here to explore the shop.
What you should know:
Tickets can be bought on-line or on-site.
One price admission includes guided tour house and the grounds are self-guided. The tour includes first floor rooms and the kitchen dependency.
The Fredericksburg XPass ticket can be purchased at the Visitors Center on Caroline Street. See FXBX for more information on the historical sites you can visit with the pass.
Check the website for days and hours of operation.
People are friendly and helpful.
Public restrooms are available.
On the street parking is available nearby.
You can spend 1-1.5 hours here.
There is not interior photograph allowed.
The ornate plaster ceilings in this house are amazing works of art.
Location: 1201 Washington Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
For more information: Historic Kenmore