Better Angels
This digital composite was inspired by the tension now confronting our country. Some think these are monumental, “unprecedented” events we are facing. They are not. Imagine witnessing an inauguration in a time when seven states had already succeeded from the union – another five would follow and hundreds of thousands would die. In his first inaugural address, Abraham Lincoln appealed to Americans to be guided the “Better Angels” of their nature. This appeal is just as pertinent today as it was 160 years ago. And though some may think they have nothing to lose, they do – we all do. As much as any American, Abraham, Martin, and John epitomize our better angels, which is the title of this piece.
COPYRIGHT: V-Poly Design, LLC.
January 2021
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
www.vpolypics.com
The Lewis Store
John Lewis built this store on Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1749. The first proprietor was his son, Fielding Lewis, who was married to George Washington’s sister, Betty. It served as a general store, a residence, and as a place of business for generations. The first floor was built in 1749 and the upper level added in 1808.
The structure has been rehabilitated thanks to the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation. This extensive renovation began in 2000 and took six years to complete. In addition to providing colonial, middle-class residents access to difficult-to-acquire, European, manufactured goods; this commercial building is architecturally significant for its brick construction and its stone quoins, a very unusual feature on colonial store buildings.
This “Fredericksburg Story” print was created from an image made in January 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Innis House
Likely built in 1856, the Innis House was one of a number of homes that lined Sunken Road. In December1862, 30,000 Union and 10,000 Confererate Soldiers converged at Marye’s Heights. After the battle, the house had no space as large as two hands on it that had not been pierced. The Innis House was lived in until 1970 when the National Park Service purchased it for $36,600. Restoration work returned the house to its 1862 appearance.
This “Fredericksburg Story” print was created from an image made in February 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Battle Cannons
These cannons are located on Prospect Hill. During the battle for Fredericksburg in December 1862, there were 14 such cannons at the ready at this location. For political reasons, President Lincoln pushed for a quick military victory to silence critics, and give credibility to his Emancipation Proclamation, scheduled for signature on New Year’s Day 1863. Lincoln’s constant pressure on Burnside, the latest commanding General of the Army of the Potomac, perhaps factored into Burnside’s decisions, overriding military prudence in return for quick victory.
This battle saw the defeat of the Army of the Potomac and nearly 13,000 union casualties. It is but one example of the consequences that often occur when political expediencies override military circumstances on the battlefield.
This print was created from an image made November 2017 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Confederate Cemetery
Six Confederate generals and thousands of Southern soldiers are buried here in Fredericksburg, Virginia; most are unknown. The Ladies Memorial Association of Fredericksburg purchased the land in 1867 for the purpose of caring for the graves of the Confederate dead on the battlefields. On this spot the Association held one of the earliest Memorial Day observances in the country, as it has for 150 years.
This print was created from an image made December 2017 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Goolrick’s “Modern” Pharmacy
Goolrick’s opened for business perhaps as early as 1867 and has been located in Fredericksburg, Virginia at 901 Caroline Street since 1892. The pharmacy was founded as Goolrick’s Modern Pharmacy by W.B. Goolrick and sold to Charles Rector and Robert Thompkins in 1933 by Goolrick’s heirs. The Rector’s son, Charles T. Rector, then owned and ran the business from 1973 until 1990, when he sold it to Steve May. In 2017 it was sold to Christopher Conder.
If not officially an historic place, Goolrick’s Pharmacy is certainly one of the iconic landmarks of Fredericksburg. The pharmacy still has a real soda fountain, just like the one you probably had growing up in your home town - if you are a “Baby Boomer”. This one however, has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operated soda fountain in the United States.
This print was created from an image made February 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Hugh Mercer Monument
This bronze statue was erected in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1906. Hugh Mercer was killed in the battle of Princeton in 1777. Because of Mercer’s courage and sacrifice, Washington was able to proceed into Princeton and defeat the British forces there. Mercer’s grandson was a Confederate general in the Civil War and his great, great grandson was General George S. Patton.
This print was created from an image made February 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Mary Washington House
George Washington purchased this house from Michael Robinson in Fredericksburg, Virginia for his mother in 1772 for $275.00. Robinson likely built the house in the 1760’s. Mary Ball Washington spent her last seventeen years in this house and lived to see her son elected first President of the United States in 1789. It sits on the corner of Charles and Lewis Streets. It was nearby the townhome owned by her younger son Charles and in walking distance to Kenmore, home of Mary's daughter, Betty Washington Lewis.
In 1889, Preservation Virginia acquired the Mary Washington House and saved it from destruction. Mary was an avid gardener. She grew flowers and boxwoods. When Preservation Virginia acquired the house, the garden was also in disrepair. Through the aid of the Garden Club of Virginia, the garden has been replanted and restored.
This print was created from an image made December 2017 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Mary Washington Monument
In 1789 Congress passed a resolution to erect a monument in honor of Mary Washington, mother of George Washington. One hundred and five years later this beautiful monument in Fredericksburg, Virginia was dedicated, thanks to the Daughters of the American Revolution and private donations.
This print was created from an image made December 2017 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
RF&P Railroad Bridge
The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad was chartered in 1834. It ran from Richmond via Fredericksburg to Aquia Creek wharf. Steamboat service to Washington, D.C., and other points was provided by the Washington and Fredericksburg Steamboat Company. Rail service, made possible by the invention of the steam locomotive, became the preferred means of transportation.
The original bridge spanning the Rappahannock River was destroyed in the Civil War. The current bridge shown here was built jointly by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad in 1919. It was designed by John Greiner, a civil engineer in Baltimore, Maryland. Nearly 200 years later, rail remains an important transportation medium for people in the Fredericksburg region.
This print was created from an image made November 2017 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center
Although not actually an historic building (Revolutionary or Civil War era), the Visitor Center has become an iconic Fredericksburg, Virginia structure and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This beautiful brick building was built in 1936 as a Civilian Conservation Corps project. In addition to a small museum, it provides office space for park historians.
The park includes approximately 8,400 acres, 7,400 of which are owned by the Federal Government. Over 500,000 people visit the battlefield each year. Its official, lengthy name (Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park) - 75 letters (count them) - is the longest name of any site in the national park system. PS: You should avoid quoting this on Twitter.
This print was created from an image made December 2017 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Richard Rowland Kirkland
Having inflicted heavy casualties on Union soldiers at the base of Marye’s Heights in December 1862, Confederate Sergeant Kirkland risked his life-giving comfort to wounded Union soldiers. That day, some 8,000 Union soldiers were killed or wounded at the base of the hill. Many of those remaining on the battlefield were still alive but suffering terribly from their wounds and a lack of water. For his selfless deeds, Sergeant Kirkland remains a Fredericksburg, Virginia legend to this day.
Sergeant Kirkland went on to fight in both the Battle of Chancellorsville and the Battle of Gettysburg where, after further distinguishing himself for courage and ability, was promoted to lieutenant. He was killed at the Battle of Chickamauga, September 1863.
This print was created from an image made December 2017 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Carl's
A Fredericksburg icon since 1947, this site is a registered National Landmark and number-one go to place for frozen custard in the ‘burg. In fact, according to many on-line surveys, it is ranked number one in Virginia, and according to “Best in America On-line”, it is ranked number nine in the USA.
Originally founded by Carl Sponseller, the business continues to be efficiently run by his family, as it has for decades. During the summer, it is common to have customers lined up around the building, even in bad weather.
This print was created from an image made May 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolypics.comA Fredericksburg icon since 1947, this site is a registered National Landmark and number-one go to place for frozen custard in the ‘burg. In fact, according to many on-line surveys, it is ranked number one in Virginia, and according to “Best in America On-line”, it is ranked number nine in the USA.
Originally founded by Carl Sponseller, the business continues to be efficiently run by his family, as it has for decades. During the summer, it is common to have customers lined up around the building, even in bad weather.
This “Fredericksburg Story” print was created from an image made in May 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Catalpa at Chatham
Two Catalpa trees survived as Chatham was ravaged during the Civil War. Today, both are gnarled and dying. One stands with the aid of massive bracing erected for its preservation by the National Park Service. These are among five trees that date back to the Civil War - “witness trees”, as some like to call them, wishing to hear the stories they might tell. Famous Poet, Walt Whitman who cared for soldiers at Chatham wrote: “At the foot of a tree, immediately in front, legs, arms, and human fragments, cut, bloody, black and blue, swelled and sickening - in the garden near, a row of graves.”
This print was created from an image made May 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Kenmore
Built by Fielding Lewis, husband of George Washington's sister, Betty, this beautiful, Georgian-style, brick mansion reflects the pre-Revolutionary-War wealth and status of the Fredericksburg merchant. The house was completed in 1776 . Fielding was a planter and successful merchant in town. The plantation grew tobacco, wheat, and corn by the labor of slaves. More than 80 slaves worked on the 1300-acre plantation, including a number of domestic slaves. The mansion's rear frontage was oriented to the Rappahannock River for easy transportation access.
Lewis descendants sold the house and property in 1797 after Betty’s death. The Samuel Gordon family purchased the property in 1819. They named it Kenmore for the home of their ancestors in Scotland. Today the house and reconstructed dependencies stand on three acres of ground at 1201 Washington Avenue.
This print was created from an image made June 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Chatham Manor
Built between 1768 and 1771 by William Fitzhugh, this grand Georgian-style house was for many years the center of a large, thriving 1,280-acre plantation. The house was named after William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham. Fitzhugh left Chatham in 1796. Major Churchill Jones, a former officer in the Continental Army, purchased the plantation in 1806 for $20,000. His family held the property for the next 66 years.
After the Civil War, Chatham was badly damaged. Chatham deteriorated under a succession of owners until Daniel and Helen Devore restored the property in the 1920’s. Today the house and 85 surrounding acres are open to the public thanks to the generosity of Chatham's last owner, John Lee Pratt. Mr. Pratt purchased Chatham from the Devore’s in 1931 and in 1975 willed it to the National Park Service. Five of the ten rooms in the 12,000 square-foot mansion are open to the public.
This print was created from an image made March 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Before coming to America, Hugh Mercer attended the University of Aberdeen, Marischal College, in Scotland, studying medicine and graduating a Doctor. Mercer left Scotland in 1747 and moved to America, settling near what is now Mercersburg, Pennsylvania before moving to Fredericksburg in 1760.
Located at the corner of Caroline and Amelia Street, Hugh Mercer founded his apothecary shop in the 1760’s at the recommendation of his friend, George Washington. He reached the rank of brigadier general in the Continental Army and died from his wounds at the Battle of Princeton, while serving the cause of the American Revolution. Legend has it that a beaten Mercer, with a bayonet still impaled in him, did not want to leave his men at the battle and was given a place to rest on a white oak tree's trunk, while those who remained with him stood their ground. The tree became known as "the Mercer Oak" and is the key element of the seal of Mercer County, New Jersey. Succeeding generations include Virginia Governor John Mercer Patton, General George S. Patton, Jr. and songwriter Johnny Mercer to name a few.
This print was created from an image made July 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
George Washington's Boyhood Home
Augustine Washington moved his family, wife and six children, to this location in 1738. George was six years old then. He lived here until his early 20’s after he inherited it from his father. The Washington’s referred to this site as “Home Farm”. Locals, then and now, commonly refer to it as “Ferry Farm” because of the free ferry that crossed the Rappahannock onto the Washington’s land. Washington’s mother lived here until 1772 when she moved to Fredericksburg. George later sold the farm to Hugh Mercer.
The George Washington Foundation purchased the land in 1996 and since 2003 has supported an archeological field school at the site. The summer excavations were led by Philip Levy (associate professor of history at the University of South Florida) and David Muraca (who previously worked at Colonial Williamsburg). Digs are organized through university groups and consist of undergraduate and graduate volunteers. Archeologists and volunteers have found artifacts dating from the prehistoric period through the Civil War and beyond. The replica you see in the image above sits at the location of the original Washington Home Farm site.
This print was created from an image made March 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Gari Melchers Home at Belmont
Likely built in the 1780’s, this Falmouth, Virginia estate was made famous by artist Gari Melchers. The name “Belmont” was coined by Susannah Fitzhugh Knox who lived here until 1823. In 1916 Gari and Corinne Melchers purchased Belmont from Joseph Ficklen for $12,000. But the main attraction at Belmont isn’t the iconic architecture – it is Melchers’ magnificent art. Here, Gari Melchers’ studio and galleries are open to the public and showcase his art -- some 1,600 items in all -- and features rotating exhibitions spanning the whole of his career.
Born in 1860 and raised in Detroit, Melchers lived abroad since he first attended art school in Düsseldorf, Germany, at the age of 17. He moved back to the United States as World War I was escalating in Europe. Melchers achieved great success as an artist, winning prizes and acclaim from art societies in Europe and America. His works -- many of them portraits of America’s elite of the period, including Vanderbilt, Mellon and Roosevelt to name a few -- hang in museums across the United States, including the Smithsonian.
This print was created from an image made July 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Rising Sun Tavern
Built by George Washington’s younger brother, Charles, as his home in the 1760’s, this was a popular stop-over for many of our founding fathers including John Marshall, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, and John Paul Jones, among others, during the American Revolutionary War era. After the home was sold in 1792, it was converted into a tavern. The large front porch was not part of the original structure but was added during the tavern renovation.
“Preservation Virginia”, purchased the building in 1907, then transferred its ownership to “Washington Heritage Museums" in 2013. The tavern currently operates as a museum and is filled with period furnishings and stories of early life in Fredericksburg.
Today, costumed guides entertain visitors as though they have just stepped off their coaches into the late 18th-century. One can see the accommodations afforded to bygone era travelers – see how they slept, learn what they ate and drank, and immerse yourself in the now eccentric customs of 18thcentury travel and lodgings.
This print was created from an image made July 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
Salem Church
Salem Church was built by local Baptists in 1844 to serve a growing population west of Fredericksburg. The first pastor was John Billingsley. Salem Church, like many others of the Civil War era, dedicated to Christian ideals of peace and love, became famous instead for the death and misery that war brought to its door.
After the battle of Bank’s Ford, the church became a field hospital. An eye witness reported hundreds upon hundreds of wounded brought for surgical attention. The amputated limbs were piled up in every corner almost as high as a man could reach; blood flowed in streams along the aisles and the open doors.
The church was restored after the war and used for services until the 1950's. In 1961 the church congregation voted to give the old church as a gift to the American people.
This print was created from an image made July 2018 in Fredericksburg, VA. www.vpolypics.com. Copyright V-Poly Design, LLC.
Buddy Lauer, Fredericksburg, VA
buddylauer@vpolydesign.com
The church was restored after the war and used for services until the 1950's. In 1961 the church congregation voted to give the old church as a gift to the American people.
