George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in Westmoreland County, Virginia, not Maryland.
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Summary
It is a historical site that commemorates the birthplace of the first president of the United States, George Washington. Visitors can explore the plantation and learn about Washington's early life and the history of the area.
Some good reasons to visit the George Washington Birthplace National Monument include its historical significance, beautiful views of the Potomac River, and opportunities to hike and explore nature. Specific points of interest to see include the Memorial House, the kitchen house, and the tobacco barn. The Monument also includes the George Washington Birthplace National Cemetery, which holds the graves of many of Washington's family members.
Interesting facts about the area include that it was once part of a large plantation owned by the Washington family and that the Memorial House was built in 1931 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. Additionally, the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and ospreys.
The best time of year to visit the George Washington Birthplace National Monument is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is beautiful. The Monument is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed during the winter months.
Overall, the George Washington Birthplace National Monument is an excellent destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone interested in learning more about the life of one of America's most famous figures.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Westmoreland State Park
St Clements Island State Park
7th District Community Park