In 1889, the nation was startled with the announcement that the grave and unfinished monument to Mary Washington would be sold at public auction from the steps of the Capitol at Washington, indignant meetings were held and the sale abandoned by its originators. The women of America organized to erect a monument to the memory of their fellow countrywoman, which they did; unveiling May 10, 1894, a monument fifty feet high, and comprising a monolith of forty feet, standing on bases eleven feet square and ten feet high. The whole shaft is of Barre granite and of the finest workmanship. President Cleveland, many of his Cabinet, the Governor of Virginia, the Marine Band, companies of military and thousands of people witnessed the ceremony.
Just back of the monument is a ledge of rocks known as “Meditation Rock,” where she used often to resort for private reading, meditation and prayer, under the shade of the beautiful grove of Oak trees.
Mary Washington House
This plain, old-fashioned dwelling on the corner of Charles and Lewis streets was the home of Mary the mother of Washington until her death in 1789.
Up to the death of her husband she lived just across the river, opposite Fredericksburg, at the “Washington Farm” and it was in these two homes the illustrious George was raised to manhood.
This building is owned by the society for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, who have put the same in thorough condition, all of the original features of architecture and general appearance being preserved.
The front room in which she died is furnished as used by her in her lifetime. This building is open to visitors for a small sum.
The Masonic Lodge