Richmond, Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck
TRAVEL GUIDE

Loading...

A host of patriots and presidents have lived and worked in the heart of the Old Dominion, an area that takes in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, and the Northern Neck.

Virginia is often called "The Mother of Presidents," since eight of America's leaders, including George Washington, were born here. The birthplaces, boyhood homes, or graves of notable figures such as George Washington, James Monroe, John Tyler, William Henry Harrison, and Robert E. Lee can be found here, and the area has many associations with other leaders, including Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. William Byrd II named the city Richmond in 1737 because the bend in the James River reminded him of the Thames in Richmond, England. George Washington designed the nation's first canal system here, the Kanawha,… Read More
and Richmond has been home to many other "firsts," including the first African-American governor in the country, the first hospital, and the South's first television station.

Richmond's renovated State Capitol was originally designed by Jefferson, and its rotunda features portraits and statues of Virginia's presidents, including the famous Houdoun marble sculpture of George Washington. At St. John's Church, in one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, Patrick Henry gave his incendiary "Give me liberty or give me death" speech that helped ignite the American Revolution.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Recommended Things to Do in Richmond, Fredericksburg and the Northern NeckSEE ALL

Explore Things to Do

Find the perfect tours and activities in Richmond, Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Recommended Hotels in Richmond, Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck SEE ALL

Hotels by

See All Filters

Quickly find Richmond, Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck hotels and compare prices.

Powered by Clicktripz

Recommended Restaurants in Richmond, Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck SEE ALL

Restaurants by

See All Filters

Find the best food tours and activities in Richmond, Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Language

English

Electrical Outlets

120 V/60Hz; Type A plugs have two flat prongs. Type B plugs have the same two flat prongs with a third round prong; together the three form a triangular shape.

Nearby Airports

RIC

Currency

US Dollar

essentials

transportation

See All Travel Tips
Arts & Culture|Teddy Minford

14 Photos From the Incredible Burning Man Art Exhibit
The exhibit at the Hermitage Museum in Norfolk, Virginia gives visitors a chance to see the art of Burning Man—without a trip to the desert.

Teddy Minford
Photos|Abbey Chase

50 Reasons to Visit Every U.S. State Capital
Though some of the country’s state capitals are already popular tourist destinations, many are hidden gems that, despite their important governmental roles, don’t often make it onto travelers’ radar.

Abbey Chase
News|Fodor's Editor

Step Into: Lincoln’s Richmond Virginia
Both Lincoln (Abe) and <em>Lincoln</em> (Daniel Day Lewis' movie) had Richmond as a stomping ground, albeit in different centuries. The historic city should be your next weekend away...here's why.

Fodor's Editor
Photos|Fodor's Editor

15 State Guide to Civil War Sesquicentennial Travel
Courtesy Alabama Tourism <p>April 12, 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the first shot fired at Fort Sumter&mdash;and the official start of the U.S. Civil War. For the next four years (through April 7, 2015), battlefields and historic sites will recognize the sesquicentennial with special activities, displays, and re-enactments. While the entire country was affected … <a href="">Continued</a>

Fodor's Editor
Outdoors|Fodor's Editor

America’s Best Urban Bike Paths
These urban trails double as roadmaps to the very best of art, dining, and adventure in each destination.

Fodor's Editor

Around the Web

  2. Destinations
  3. USA
  4. Virginia
  5. Richmond, Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck