Fredericksburg – St. James’ House, the quaint “gentleman’s cottage” at the corner of Charles and Fauquier Streets, will be open for tours during the afternoons of Monday through Saturday, October 2-7. St. James’ House was built around 1768.
The house was originally home to James Mercer, an attorney. James Mercer, no relation to Hugh Mercer, was one of the Mercers of Marlborough Point. Mercer was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, first judge of the General Court in Fredericksburg, and the attorney who drew up the will of Mary Washington. Mercer built the house on land once owned by Fielding Lewis, brother-in- law of George Washington.
The House is particularly noted for its fine collection of antique furniture and decorative arts assembled by Daniel Breslin and William Tolerton, who restored St. James’ in the mid-1960s and bequeathed it to Preservation Virginia. Washington Heritage Museums received the lovely home and grounds by deed of gift in 2012. St. James’ House currently serves as the headquarters for Washington Heritage Museums.
Visitors will receive a guided tour of the home provided by Washington Heritage Museums’ volunteers, and will also be able to stroll through the beautiful gardens. The admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youth ages 6-18 – $3 and children under 6 are free.
