George Washington Birthplace National Monument Highpoint Trip Report

Date: August 3, 2008
Author: Fred Lobdell

25+ feet

This monument marks the plantation where Washington was born and lived his early childhood years. The actual house where he was born burned down in 1779 and was never rebuilt, the family having moved up the Potomac to a new location when Washington was still a small child.

From the intersection of US 301 and VA 3 about 10 miles south of the Potomac River bridge on 301, turn southeast onto VA 3. Here will be the first sign for the NM, giving a distance of 16 miles. Drive about 14 miles and turn left (northeast) onto VA 204. This leads directly into the NM in just under 2 miles.

As you enter the NM, there will be in front of you a small traffic circle, in the center of which is an obelisk resembling the much better-known Washington Monument. In fact, it is supposed to be a 1/10 replica of the latter. You should also be aware that the roads are not accurately depicted on the topographic map; apparently there have been changes since the map was made.

The map shows an auxiliary 25-foot contour taking in the monument and extending northeast from there. The monument itself is surrounded by ground that slopes up gently to its base. This was undoubtedly done for drainage purposes during the erection of the monument. Just northeast of the obelisk is a grassy field of several acres extent. This field slopes up to the northeast and appears to be the highest natural surface in the NM. It is surrounded by a split rail fence but there are no signs prohibiting entry into the field.

I leave it to future visitors to ascertain whether or not access to this field is permitted by the authorities.

The NM grounds also contain a visitor's center, picnic area, nature trail, and wildlife viewing areas.