We tried to communicate with Mary Bell Washington

In June of 2025, we traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, and one of the locations we stopped at was the monument and grave of George Washington's mother, Mary Bell Washington. We had been to Fredericksburg before, but this time we did more research and found the grave, which we added to our list of places to visit.

As mentioned, Marianne did some research about this location and found where the monument was and how the mother of the country was buried in an unmarked grave for many years. At the time of writing this post, it is still not definitively known where her grave is; however, it is believed to be located somewhere in the vicinity of the monument. Historical documents state that she is buried somewhere around the meditation rocks where she used to go and pray for her son, who was out in battle.

We didn't plan on doing an investigation when we were heading to the location; however, with her grave being unmarked and reading about the paranormal claims at the site, we already had our ovilus in the car, and I always have my spirit box with me. After shooting some video of the monument, we went around to the back of the meditation rock and conducted a small investigation to see if we could communicate with Mrs. Washington. That full, uncut investigation is in our video below.

Mary Bell Washington's Meditation Rock

We spent a considerable amount of time around the meditation rock back behind the cemetery located behind the monumment. This property was originally part of Kenmore (which we later visited), and there is a large sandstone rock outcropping. Marianne decided to walk down around it and take some pictures.

About Mary Ball Washington

Mary Ball Washington, the mother of George Washington, holds a revered place in American history not only due to her maternal connection to the nation's first president but also because of the values she instilled in him. Born in 1708, she raised George and his siblings largely on her own after the death of her husband, Augustine Washington, in 1743. Her life was one of duty, resilience, and dedication to her family, traits that deeply influenced George Washington’s sense of responsibility and leadership. She lived much of her later life in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in a small house near the Rappahannock River, where she remained until her death in 1789.

Mary Washington spent her final years in a modest frame home on what is now Charles Street. During this period, she remained active in the Fredericksburg community and maintained correspondence with her son even as he rose to national prominence. As George Washington assumed the presidency, Mary was battling breast cancer, which eventually led to her death. She passed away on August 25, 1789, just a few months after her son was inaugurated as the first president of the United States. George Washington reportedly visited her during her final illness and bid her an emotional farewell before returning to his duties in New York City.

Following her death, Mary Washington was buried on a small bluff overlooking the Rappahannock River, on land owned by her daughter, Betty Washington Lewis. Her gravesite was left relatively modest and unmarked for many years despite the significance of her role as the mother of the nation’s founding father. Early efforts to honor her final resting place came in the form of temporary markers and commemorative gestures, but a formal monument did not materialize for decades.

In the early 19th century, the idea of erecting a monument at her grave gained support, particularly during the rising wave of national patriotism in the years following the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Several local citizens and organizations recognized the need to formally honor her legacy, especially considering her influence on George Washington. However, these efforts faced obstacles, including financial difficulties and competing public interests.

Finally, in 1833, President Andrew Jackson laid the cornerstone for a monument at Mary Washington’s grave. The ceremony drew national attention and was viewed as a powerful symbol of respect toward the Washington family. Unfortunately, the project was never completed at that time. The half-finished monument stood neglected for years, becoming a symbol of unrealized intentions rather than a dignified tribute.

Interest in completing the monument resurfaced after the Civil War as national unity and reverence for the Founding Fathers once again became a cultural focus. In 1893, the National Mary Washington Memorial Association, with support from patriotic women’s groups and citizens, succeeded in raising funds and completing the monument. The completed obelisk stands 50 feet tall and rests atop a base that includes inscriptions paying tribute to Mary Washington’s life and her contributions to the character of her son.

The dedication ceremony for the finished monument took place in 1894 and included speeches by important leaders of the time, including President Grover Cleveland. It was a moment of national reflection, not just on the life of Mary Washington, but also on the broader values she came to represent. The monument helped solidify Fredericksburg’s role in American memory and heritage and brought attention to the need to preserve and honor the lives of foundational women in U.S. history.

Today, the Mary Washington Monument and her gravesite are maintained as part of a landscaped memorial park in Fredericksburg. Visitors can walk along paths shaded by trees and learn about her life through markers and historical signage. Nearby is the home where she spent her final years, which also serves as a museum and educational center. Together, the gravesite and home form a key historical complex dedicated to understanding the life of this influential woman.

The monument not only commemorates Mary Washington’s role as a mother but also her strength, independence, and unwavering devotion to her family and country. Historians often point out that Mary instilled in George Washington a sense of duty and moral clarity that would define his leadership during the Revolutionary War and his presidency. The reverence shown at her memorial echoes the broader respect afforded to the Washington legacy.

Over time, the site has become a place for reflection and tribute, especially on Mother's Day and other commemorative events. The memorial continues to draw visitors who come to pay their respects, not just to the mother of a president, but to a figure emblematic of early American virtue and perseverance. Mary Ball Washington’s final resting place stands as a lasting reminder of how maternal strength and quiet resolve can help shape the course of history.