Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 12/05/2001
NRHP Listing Date 05/16/2002
NRHP Reference Number 02000518
Washington Avenue Historic District is Fredericksburg’s only historic monumental avenue and the site of an outstanding collection of high-style residences built for the city’s elite at the turn of the 20th century. Containing mostly examples of Queen Anne- and Colonial Revival-style houses, the district also includes Kenmore, home of President George Washington’s sister, Betty, a singular example of Georgian architecture in Virginia and a National Historic Landmark. In addition, several monuments of artistic and commemorative significance grace the district, including a monument over the grave of Mary Ball Washington, mother of President Washington. The formal landscaped design of the broad avenue, prominently placed memorials, and architecturally sophisticated dwellings reflect the aspirations of a town attempting to redefine itself and its character after the devastating years of the Civil War. Washington Avenue also represents the trend toward improved urban design and civic improvements that resulted in grand monumental avenues and promenades in cities all across the United States as part of the City Beautiful movement.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: January 5, 2022
