Rising Sun Tavern (Fredericksburg, Virginia) facts for kids
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Rising Sun Tavern
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Rising Sun Tavern
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 Location in Northern Virginia
Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1304 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia |
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| Built | 1761 |
| Part of | Fredericksburg Historic District (ID71001053) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000919 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | January 29, 1964 |
| Designated CP | September 22, 1971 |
The Rising Sun Tavern is a very old and important building in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was built around 1760. Charles Washington, who was the youngest brother of George Washington, built it as his home. Later, in 1792, this house became a busy tavern.
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History of the Rising Sun Tavern
This house was once the home of Charles Washington. He was the youngest brother of the first U.S. President, George Washington. The Washington family lived here until about 1780.
From Home to Public House
In 1791, the property was sold to Larkin Smith. A year later, in 1792, Colonel Gustav Wallace bought it. Colonel Wallace then rented the building to Mr. John Frasier. Mr. Frasier was the first person to run a tavern there.
Even though it's called the "Rising Sun Tavern" today, it had different names back then. In the 1790s, people knew it as the "Golden Eagle" or simply "The Eagle." This public house served travelers for many years. It continued to operate under various owners until the 1820s.
Saving a Piece of History
In 1907, a group called the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities bought the building. This group is now known as Preservation Virginia. They gave the building to their local Fredericksburg branch to manage.
In 1933, another historical group, the Society of Cincinnati, held a special event here. It was a Sesquicentennial celebration, marking 150 years since an important event. They gave Preservation Virginia a bronze medal for their hard work in saving the building.
Today, the Rising Sun Tavern is filled with furniture and items from the 1700s. It helps visitors imagine what life was like in early Fredericksburg. In 2012, Preservation Virginia passed ownership to a new group. This group is called "Washington Heritage Museums." The site is still open as a museum for everyone to visit.
National Recognition
The Rising Sun Tavern is a very important historical site. In 1964, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's recognized as one of the most important historic places in the United States. Two years later, in 1966, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
What You See Today
If you visit the Rising Sun Tavern, you'll see a large front porch. However, this porch was not part of the original house. It was added later, when the building became a tavern.
Today, the tavern no longer serves food or drinks. Instead, guides help visitors learn about life in the 1700s. They share stories and show what a busy tavern was like long ago. The site is open every day for visitors to explore.
