Newman Virginia Roots

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Colonial Fredericksburg was a place where people met. It served as a regional court, serving a large geographic area. Many Virginia political and military leaders met in, or were from Fredericksburg. It had stores, apothecaries, schools, taverns and a bank. Chancery court records from other counties show money was to be deposited in the Bank of Fredericksburg.

A courthouse was built in Fredericksburg between 1736-1740. It was torn down and the Renwick designed courthouse was built in 1852 at 815 Princess Anne Street. It is not clear whether the courthouse was built on the same lot as the previous courthouse or not. This courthouse, now known as the old courthouse, has a Revere bell. It remains standing but is no longer in use as the courthouse. A new courthouse was built in 2014, located at 701 Princess Anne Street. (Fredericksburg Courthouse history)

The Fredericksburg District Superior Court of Chancery was formed in 1814. This district covered: Caroline, Culpeper, Essex, Fairfax, Fauquier, King George, Lancaster, Madison, Northumberland, Orange, Prince William, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Westmoreland, and Fredericksburg. A new court system began in 1831, when the districts were abolished and Circuit Superior Chancery Courts were established for each county and city.

1863 map, Fredericksburg Virginia, Library of Congress

Some Colonial Fredericksburg Sites, pre 1776

Charles Dick House, built 1740. Charles Dick and Fielding Lewis ran the gunnery, where weapons were made for the Continental Army. Changes to the facing of the house were made in the 1790’s. (private residence)

The Chimneys, built about 1771 as a home for John Glassel. Presently, this is a restaurant.

Fielding Lewis Store, built in 1749, with a second story added in 1808.

John Tayloe house, built 1770 (currently private residence)

General Hugh Mercer Apothecary, built about 1772, present day museum.

Mary Washington House, purchased in 1772, present day museum.

Kenmore, the home of Fielding and Betty Lewis. Present day museum. Betty was the sister of George Washington. Fielding Lewis also ran the Fredericksburg gunnery with Charles Dick, and did many things to support the Army in it’s War for Independence. Historical marker. Fielding Lewis biographical sketch.

The Richard Johnston Inn, built 1770, present day bed and breakfast.

Rising Sun Tavern, built about 1760, present day museum. Built by Charles Washington (George Washington’s brother), as his home. Later, it became a tavern.

Saint George’s Church, built 1734-1741. The church currently standing on this site was built in 1849.

Saint James House, James Mercer’s house, built 1768-1769. Present day museum. James Mercer was a Burgess and a judge in Fredericksburg. (Historic house information.)