Site

Historic Footsteps Marker

Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism Office

Type
Marker
Theater
Eastern
Location
Fredericksburg, VA

Site

GPS - 38.30322, -77.46041

History

John Washington walked these steps, too. Born a slave to the family who managed and lived in the Farmer's Bank, Washington spent most of his youth living in the building. When the Union army arrived opposite Fredericksburg on April 18, 1862, John Washington's owner urged him to flee with her. Instead, Washington walked down these steps for the last time and quietly left. Later that day he crossed the Rappahannock River into Union lines—to freedom.

Historic Marker