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Mothers of presidents, humanitarians, nurses and Miss America share ties to the area
(Fredericksburg, Va., March 9, 2010) – Wearing a jeweled crown and the coveted title of “Miss America,” Fredericksburg native Caressa Cameron dreams big. The 22-year-old captured top honors at the 89th Annual Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas and now is embarking on a year-long journey fulfilling the mission of the Miss America organization. But Cameron isn’t the first inspirational woman to hail from the Fredericksburg area. A long lineage of successful women whose historic beginnings took place in the Fredericksburg area helped shape the course of history. Today, the area preserves its memories well, with everyday reminders of the people who lived and worked here.
Mother of a President: Mary Ball Washington: Born Mary Ball in 1708 in Virginia’s Lancaster County, the future mother of the nation’s first president married Augustine Washington in 1731. Their eldest son, George, was born in 1732 and at the age of six moved to Ferry Farm in Stafford County with the Washington family. After George moved to Mount Vernon in 1754, Mary remained on the farm until 1772 when she moved into the town of Fredericksburg. A gardener, Mary Washington kept a “kitchen” garden, typical to the 18th century, where she grew vegetables, greens and herbs. A pleasure garden lined with boxwood also connected her property to the home of Betty Lewis, her daughter, who lived at Kenmore Plantation. Today, the Mary Washington House remains open to visitors and has been preserved by the APVA Preservation of Virginia.
Plantation Owner: Betty Lewis: The eldest daughter of Mary Washington and younger sister to George, Betty Washington Lewis married plantation owner Fielding Lewis in 1750. Historic Kenmore was built in 1752, where they lived until Fielding’s death. The Georgian-style mansion boasts an elegant exterior that is complemented by a lavish interior with vivid colors and ornate plasterwork ceilings. During the last years of her life, Betty lived with her mother Mary.
Pioneer, Teacher, Nurse, Humanitarian: Clara Barton: A native to Oxford, Massachusetts, Clara Barton’s ties to the Fredericksburg area began during the Civil War. From a young age, the American pioneer developed a love for nursing, first attending to her brother after a fall on the family farm. After the First Battle of Bull Run during the Civil War, Barton established an agency to obtain and deliver medical supplies to wounded soldiers, and often rode along in Army ambulances to comfort the soldiers. Eventually, she was permitted to enter the battlefields, administering first aid to soldiers in the grimmest circumstances. Barton volunteered her medical services to the Union Army after a disastrous defeat in Fredericksburg, and for days operated with resolve on hundreds of soldiers at Chatham Manor in Stafford County, which at the time served as a hospital. She obtained notoriety through lectures on her war experiences and later founded the American Red Cross.
Enduring Love: Corinne Melchers: The love story began in the early 1900s. He was an internationally-acclaimed artist. She was an art student on a cruise to France. When finding out that Gari Melcher was on the same ship, Corinne arranged an introduction and, at that instant, love became a part of their world. Gari and Corinne married in 1903 and made the purchase of their home at Belmont in 1916. During their time at Belmont, Corinne took a special interest in gardening and maintained impeccable kitchen and flower gardens, cultivating beautiful roses. In addition to gardening, Corinne also managed Belmont’s farm, and conducted extensive research on how best to grow and use their farm products. A woman of many causes, Corinne Melchers had a tremendous heart and provided food, clothing and money to her suffering friends in Europe during World War I, and met the needs of neighbors closer to home as well, including purchasing a home for an area family suffering from tuberculosis.
The women of the Fredericksburg area made an indelible mark on American history and paved the way for future successes for women like Caressa Cameron. Their passions, inspiration and triumphs can still be felt throughout the area today, leaving a lasting impression on the visitors who take a glimpse into their storied past.
For travel information to the Fredericksburg area, visit www.visitfred.com. For complimentary images and media information, visit www.fredpressroom.com.
The Fredericksburg Area, which includes the city of Fredericksburg and the counties of Spotsylvania and Stafford, is a classic blend of modern life with small town charm. Conveniently located along I-95, between Washington and Richmond, the area features a variety of chef-owned restaurants, numerous art galleries, a wide range of specialty shops, and one of America’s most authentic, historic downtowns. Stafford is home to George Washington’s boyhood home, Ferry Farm and Belmont, the residence of 20th Century American impressionist painter Gari Melchers. Spotsylvania is not only the site of 4,400 acres of Civil War battlefields; it also boasts the beautiful Lake Anna Winery. The Fredericksburg Area rests on the banks of the picturesque, pristine Rappahannock River. For visitor information and online trip planning, visit www.VisitFred.com. For media information and digital images, click on www.fredpressroom.com. Visit us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/visitfred.
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