Built
by George Washington's sister Betty Washington Lewis and her husband, Fielding
Lewis, this beautiful, Georgian-style, brick mansion reflects the pre-Revolutionary-War
wealth and status of the Fredericksburg merchant.
During the Revolutionary War, Lewis loaned the state of Virginia money to build and support a gun factory in Fredericksburg. At the time of of death in 1781, he was still owed £7000 but it was never repaid. He also lost a great deal of money during the war because he was not able to carry on his his mercantile business with England. However, his house still stands—with its elegant exterior and interior rooms adorned with colorful paint, wallpaper, and decorative plaster ceilings.
A visit to Kenmore starts in the Crowninshield Museum building (just to the
left of the front gate) where there are displays of 18th-century furniture
and decorative arts. An interpreter will lead a 45-minute tour of the first
floor of the house and the kitchen dependency. After the tour, visitors
are welcome to enjoy the gardens and grounds
(approximately 3 acres) at their leisure.
A convenient, money-saving, combination ticket is available for guests who want to visit both Kenmore and Ferry Farm.
Learn more about hours and admission fees.
The Events page lists the many upcoming activities at Kenmore and Ferry Farm.
Volunteer Opportunities are available in a wide variety of positions throughout the Foundation.
Copyright ©2012 - The George Washington Foundation
All Rights Reserved
Last Updated:
January 3, 2012