Ferry Farm

Ferry Farm is a historic plantation on the northern bank of the Rappahannock River in Stafford County, Virginia, with a reconstructed residence and visible excavation sites. The grounds cover several acres of open land where visitors can walk between archaeological areas and interpretation centers.

The Washington family moved to this property in 1738 when their son was six years old, and they occupied it until his departure as a young man in the 1750s. The original house burned down in the 1780s, and archaeological work began in the late 20th century to uncover the foundations.

The property takes its name from the ferry crossing that carried travelers across the Rappahannock River while the Washington family lived on the grounds. Visitors today see reproductions of 18th-century tools and furniture that show how the family managed daily life.

The grounds are mostly level and easy to navigate between different areas, with some unpaved paths leading to excavation sites. Most activities take place outdoors, so weather-appropriate clothing is advisable for the visit.

Researchers found fragments of a cream-colored tea set belonging to the mother of the family during excavations beneath the original house foundations. These ceramic pieces help visitors understand what objects were valued in colonial Virginia.