Building X

One of the greatest mysteries at George Washington Birthplace National Monument involves the "Building X" foundation.

• A gravel outlined foundation approximately 25 feet long by 16 feet wide.

Building Y

On December 2, 2024, National Park Service archeologists and their partners began excavating a Colonial-era building located in the Memorial Area of the park. The excavation site will be open to the public through the end of December, weather dependent, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to see the archeological remains of what is known as Building Y. 

• A 12 feet wide brick foundation uncovered from the ground; the brick foundation stretches forward 12 feet straight while one part has a square shape. The square section reaches 50 inches down.

Memorial Area at George Washington Birthplace National Monument

In the early 1930s, the Wakefield National Memorial Association created all the buildings in the Historic Area as part of the nation's commemoration of Washington during the bicentennial of his birth. The Association constructed these buildings to be suggestive of a colonial farm complex, and did not construct them based on historical or archeological evidence of buildings that existed here in the 1700s.

• A large house surrounded by trees and a large plot of land.

Potomac River Beach

The Potomac River Beach provides various recreational opportunities. Be sure to learn what you should know before you arrive.

• A large beach at sunset.

The Birthplace Monument

Built to commemorate the birthplace of First President George Washington, the monument was placed in 1896 by the U.S. War Department at the believed location of his birthhouse. It was moved to its current location at the entrance to the park in 1931.

• White obelisk, 55 feet tall, and 1/10th the size of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Located at the entrance to George Washington Birthplace National Monument.

The Colonial Revival Garden

The Wakefield National Memorial Association and the National Park Service had different ideas about how the memorial garden should be created at George Washington's birthplace. In the end, the groups worked together to form a garden that is one of the most visited locations in the park.

• A garden, divided into four square plots, filled with boxwood plants, and surrounded by flowers and herbs along the outside of the enclosure.

The Log House

The Wakefield National Memorial Association planned for the Log House to be a place for refreshments and overnight accommodations. Unfortunately, the group did not have as much success as hoped for and the Log House was closed. Today, the Log House is used as a meeting and conference space.

• A black and white photo of the interior of a house. The room has a fireplace with two large chairs next to it. Above the chairs is a large chandelier. There are multiple large tables in the room that have vases filled with flowers on them.

The Memorial House Museum

Learn about the decade-long effort to build a Memorial House to honor George Washington at his birthplace.

• A large, brick home standing about 30 feet high, 20 feet wide, and 30 feet long standing on a mostly flat area of ground with a gentle slope leading towards Popes Creek.

The Rockefeller Barn

Industrialist and philanthropist, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. was a major benefactor in the creation of George Washington Birthplace National Monument. Not only did he donate almost half the land of the current park boundary, he also supplied three of his retired Morgan horses to the park and established a precedent that has lasted until today.

The Washington Family Burial Ground

The Washington Family Burial Ground is the final resting place of multiple generations of the Washington family. George Washington's father, grandparents, and great-grandparents, among others, are buried in this small family cemetery.

• A tree covered path leads up to a brick exterior square wall. Inside four tombs can be found. On either side of the brick exterior wall are rolling farm fields. Behind the burial ground is a forested and marsh area.

Visitor Center

• Visitor Center
• The Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:30 - 4:00. On Mondays and Tuesdays, there are no park staff to assist visitors.

• Bicycle the Northern Neck Heritage Trail
• Bicycling between George Washington Birthplace National Monument/Westmoreland State Park and Reedville, Virginia.

• Attend a GEWA Ranger Program
• Join a park ranger at the visitor center for a short half mile walking tour to explore the stories of this land from Colonial to Colonial Revival.

• Visiting with Pets
• Discover where you can go with your pet on a visit to George Washington Birthplace National Monument.

• Fishing at the Birthplace
• George Washington Birthplace National Monument allows fishing as a means of providing for public enjoyment, and customary and traditional use, and regulates fishing to ensure that it is managed in a manner that avoids unacceptable impacts to park resources.

• Explore by bicycle from Westmoreland State Park
• With Westmoreland State Park as a base, ride a loop connected with the Northern Neck Heritage Trail to explore Stratford Hall, the birthplace of George Washington, Colonial Beach, wineries, historic sites and the Potomac River shoreline. A map and more information is available from the Northern Neck Tourism Commission at www.northernneck.org.

• Hiking the Dancing Marsh Loop Trail
• Enjoy a walk along the Dancing Marsh Loop Trail at George Washington Birthplace National Monument and experience different habitats that are home to different plants and animals.

• Hiking the Nature Trail
• Enjoy a walk along the nature trail at George Washington Birthplace National Monument and experience different habitats that are home to different plants and animals.

• Picnicking at the Birthplace
• Spending a day at the park? Bring a lunch and enjoy the setting of the Picnic Area.