When you think of America’s founding fathers, four names often rise to the top: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. All hailed from Virginia, and though their homes lie nestled in the hills and fields of the Commonwealth, their legacy looms large in the heart of Washington, D.C.
50 US History Teachers were selected Nationwide
As a U.S. History and Government teacher, I was honored to be selected for a prestigious scholarship tour of the Virginia presidents, sponsored by the organization Founding Forward. This unique professional development opportunity brought together 50 history teachers from across the country to explore the lives, leadership, and legacies of our Founding Fathers. Through immersive site visits and expert-led sessions, we gained a deeper understanding of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States, enriching our knowledge and enhancing our ability to bring these foundational stories to life in the classroom.
Mary Washington House
The first stop on our tour was the Mary Washington House. ca. 1772 In 1772, George Washington purchased a house from Michael Robinson in Fredericksburg, Virginia for his mother. Mary Ball Washington spent her last seventeen years in this comfortable home.
The white frame house sits on the corner of Charles and Lewis Streets and was in walking distance to Kenmore, home of Mary’s daughter Betty Washington Lewis. Tradition has it that, during the Revolution, General Lafayette came by the home seeking a visit with Mrs. Washington and found her working in her garden. The President-to-be came to this home to receive his mother’s blessing before attending his inauguration in 1789.
To learn all about this house and the relationship between George Washington and his mother, check out my Mary Washington video posted above and as always, thank you for watching and be sure to like and subscribe for more.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Fredericksburg, VA
Restored to house the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, this 18th-century building is now a museum of medicine, pharmacy, and military and political affairs. Dr. Hugh Mercer cared for the citizens of Fredericksburg for fifteen years with contemporary medicines and treatments, including leeches, lancets, snakeroot, and crab claws. One of his most notable patients was Mary Washington, mother to George Washington. Mercer later left his practice to join the cause of the Revolutionary army, dying as a Brigadier General at the Battle of Princeton.
The Rising Sun Tavern, Fredericksburg, VA
ca. 1760 Built by George Washington’s youngest brother Charles around 1760 as his home, this frame building became a tavern in 1792 when it was purchased by the Wallace family. It operated for 35 years as a stopover for travelers in the bustling port town of Fredericksburg.
Visiting the Presidents houses: Mount Vernon (Washington), Monticello (Jefferson), Montpelier (Madison) and Highland (Monroe)
As a history teacher, there’s no substitute for standing in the very places where our nation’s founders lived, worked, and debated the future of a new republic. Visiting the homes of George Washington (Mount Vernon), Thomas Jefferson (Monticello), James Madison (Montpelier), and James Monroe (Highland) provided an unparalleled opportunity to deepen my understanding of the American Revolution and the founding ideals of the United States. These historic sites offer more than just architecture — they tell stories of leadership, compromise, contradiction, and the evolving meaning of liberty. Experiencing these places firsthand has enriched my teaching and equipped me to bring the complexities and achievements of the Founding Fathers to life for my students.
My Favorite: Mount Vernon, Home of George Washington
Mount Vernon is a captivating destination with a wealth of historical sites and activities to explore. Visitors can begin with the mansion tour, where they can step inside George Washington’s beautifully preserved home, learn about the life of the first president, and enjoy the stunning views of the Potomac River. Beyond the mansion, the grounds offer a rich collection of attractions, including the Patriots Path, a scenic walking trail that guides visitors through the estate while highlighting Washington’s military service and leadership. The tomb of George and Martha Washington, located on the estate, provides a solemn place to reflect on the nation’s early history, while the nearby Slave Memorial honors the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon.
The estate also features a fully restored farm, where reenactors demonstrate 18th-century farming practices, giving a sense of the hard work that powered Washington’s estate. In addition, the Museum and Education Center offers exhibits on Washington’s life, the founding of the nation, and the personal stories of those who lived on the estate, including both the Washington family and enslaved individuals. For a truly unique experience, visitors can take a boat ride along the Potomac River, offering a picturesque view of the estate from the water. These immersive experiences, combined with living history demonstrations from reenactors, create an engaging, multi-faceted visit to Mount Vernon, making it a must-see destination for history lovers.
A Nighttime Bus Tour of the Washington DC Monuments
The nighttime bus tour of Washington, D.C.’s monuments is an unforgettable experience, especially for a history teacher who can connect each landmark to the rich history of the United States. The glowing Washington Monument stands tall and majestic against the night sky, its towering presence a testament to the nation’s first president. Moving on to the Lincoln Memorial, the illuminated statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting in solemn reflection is particularly striking, evoking a deep sense of reverence and contemplation, especially with the National Mall spread out below. The Korean War Memorial, with its haunting sculptures of soldiers moving through a foggy landscape, adds an emotional depth to the tour—especially at night, when the shadows and lighting create a poignant atmosphere.
The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, is particularly impressive, especially when lit up against the dark backdrop of the night sky. The famous image of the Marines raising the flag is monumental in both scale and significance, reminding visitors of the sacrifices made during one of the fiercest battles of World War II. As a history teacher, you would likely appreciate how each of these monuments isn’t just a structure, but a living tribute to the men and women who shaped the nation. The entire tour offers a unique, emotional, and educational perspective, especially when experienced in the stillness of the night, making it an incredibly powerful way to honor America’s history and legacy.
Thank you for reading and please check out my videos on YouTube at @sharonfitzgerald. I would like to thank Founding Forward for an amazing trip! For teacher opportunities, please visit https://foundingforward.org/ and don’t hesitate to contact me on how to join a summer program next year at info@sharonmfitzgerald.com.
Sharon Fitzgerald
Check out my YouTube shorts and livestreams from Mount Vernon:
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Sharon Fitzgerald, MA | U.S. History Teacher |Former adjunct art history professor, CSULA | IG: @sharon_la | YouTube @sharonfitzgerald
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