Blacks first inhabited Virginia in 1619. They came to the sparsely settled Rappahannock Valley long before Fredericksburg was officially founded in 1728. Slaves worked on plantations, on the docks, in iron industries, mining and quarries, mercantile businesses, construction, domestic services, and others were skilled blacksmiths, coopers, cobblers, and draymen. African Americans were vital in the development of the area.

The Fredericksburg Area Museum houses seven permanent exhibitions, and three changing galleries, that interpret the history of the region. Exhibits focus on Virginia Indians, the settlement of the region during the Colonial Period, Fredericksburg during the Civil War, Revolutionary War, and WWI and WWII, African American history from slavery to Civil Rights, and perspectives on our community today. Housed in the 1816 historic Town Hall/Market House and the 1927 Planters National Bank building. Enjoy Fredericksburg’s unique character in the adjoining historic Market Square, a public gathering space for centuries.

Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps - a heritage site about the legends, learning and lore of the United States Marines. Admission is free. Enjoy first-hand the sites, sounds and experiences of the Marines through films, drill instructor voices, equipment and uniform displays, the "chow hall," and a replica Tun Tavern. See the original Iwo Jima flag on display. Look for many upcoming evening events on the calendar of events. Ask us about hosting your own event at this site.

On the campus of the University of Mary Washington, two galleries display artwork. The Ridderhof Martin Gallery hosts exhibitions of works from various cultures and historical periods and by 20th century artists with national and international reputations. The newly renovated DuPont Gallery features painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, ceramics and textiles by art faculty and students as well as other contemporary artists. Free parking designated for gallery visitors is available in the lot at the corner of College Avenue at Thornton Street. For information on current exhibits and special events, call (540) 654-2120. Both galleries are open during college sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-4pm. Saturday and Sunday hours are 1-4pm. Free.

This residential neighborhood was once part of the 863-acre Kenmore Plantation. For years the only house was the Lewis mansion which was built in 1752. Located on the plantation and not far from the Lewis home was a ledge of rocks looking westward over a small valley. This was a favorite spot of Mary Washington, mother of Betty Washington Lewis, and she asked to be buried there. In 1833 a monument to Mary Washington at her grave site was partially built but was not completed. In 1851 the town of Fredericksburg expanded its boundaries to include this area. Until 1889 the "Kenmore Plain" was only open farmland with the Lewis house and the unfinished monument.