Historic Virginia

Virginia is one of the most historic states in the country. From the first settlement, Jamestown, to Pocahontas and Captain John Smith, to the Civil War. Stafford County and Fredericksburg, VA is loaded with history. George Washington's boyhood home is located just outside of Fredericksburg, in Stafford County. Pocahontas was kidnapped and rescued by Captain John Smith in the Crow's Nest area of Stafford County. And of course there is the Civil War.

Some major battles were fought in the Fredericksburg area, including the Battle of Fredericksburg, known as the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. You can tour four battle sites in the Fredericksburg area, there are both Union and Confederate cemetaries, and you can tour historic homes that played huge roles in the Civil War. And of course John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln in Washington DC after the war was over, fled through Maryland, crossed the Potomac River into Virginia, and was eventually captured and shot in Virginia.

Looking for some historic homes to tour in the Fredericksbug area? Don't miss Kenmore Plantation. It was once owned by George Washington's sister and her husband. It was used as a confederate hospital during the Civil War, and still has evidence of gun shot damage. The ceiling detail in the formal dining area is amazing, and dates back to when Martha and her husband owned the house.

Another place to check out is Ferry Farm, George Washington's boyhood home. The original house is not longer standing, as it was burned down in a fire. However, archaeological digging has found the spot that the house was at, including the remains of the foundation. Ferry Farm sits on the banks of the Rappahannock River and is the site for the story about throwing a stone over the Rappahannock River and the story of the Cherry tree. You can also walk down to the edge of the river and usually see people fishing off the Fredericksburg City Dock across the river.

Chatham is another historic home to tour, and it is free. The home served as Union headquarters during the Battle of Fredericksburg. Clara Barton and Walt Whitman joined many others in treating injured soldiers at Chatham.

Into musuems? The White Oak Civil War Musuem on White Oak Rd in Fredericksburg, VA is the best collection of Civil War artifacts in the country.

A little bit up the road on I95 (exit 150) is Quantico Marine Corps Base. There is also the Marine Corps National Musuem at Quantico, and the Marine Corps National Cemetary is there as well. The musuem is free and is very cool for children and adults. It takes you through the eras of war. Get an idea of what marines wore and used during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm. There is a tribute to 9/11 and attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. There is also a short film that is very informational.

Finally, Fredericksburg is considered the most haunted town in the country. So with Halloween coming, one of the many "Ghost Tours" in the Historic downtown Fredericksburg district would be a wise choice.

Welcome to My Virginig Blog

Welcome to My Virginia Blog. I intend to use this blog to post about experiences in Virginia. From fun places to visit, historical sites, things for kids to do, to local dining and much more.

For my first blog, I would like to introduce you to the world of Vinny's Italian Grill. Great food at a good price. The first Vinny's was opened in Fredericksburg, VA and now they have several locations in Fredericsburg, Stafford, Richmond, and even in Fairfax County.

Personally, I love the Buffalo Chicken Steak sub and the Philly Chicken sub the best.

http://www.vinnysitaliangrill.com/