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The Legacy of Betty Washington: A Hidden Chapter in Fredericksburg's History
Updated: Jul 25
Preserving Fredericksburg's Heritage
Author: Sarah Dye | March 2026
It was 1883 when Emily Fleming (maiden name White) and her husband, Vivian Minor Fleming, moved to Fredericksburg. This small town had been deeply scarred by the Civil War, which had ended just 18 years prior. The remnants of burned homes and buildings, still bearing the marks of bullets, shells, and cannonballs, were a stark reminder of the past. The emotional scars of the residents ran just as deep. Upon her arrival, Emily became passionate about preserving Fredericksburg’s history. She joined the Fredericksburg’s Washington-Lewis Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she played a pivotal role in safeguarding the town's heritage. In my podcast, FXBG Library, Emily is one of the eight women who fought to save the city’s first library in 1894. Little did she know that her leadership would ensure that Kenmore would not be lost forever.
The Early Life of Betty Washington
Let’s go back to the beginning and focus on Betty Washington. Betty was the sister of George Washington. She and George were born at Pope’s Creek, also known as Wakefield, in Westmoreland County. Betty was born in 1733. When she was seven years old, her father, Augustine Washington, and her mother, Mary Ball Washington, moved the family to Ferry Farms plantation in 1740. This beautiful plantation ran along the banks of the Rappahannock River, directly across from Fredericksburg.
At the age of 16, Betty married local merchant Fielding Lewis on May 7, 1750. At the time of their marriage, he was a 24-year-old widower with two children from his first marriage. From a prominent family perspective, Fielding was an advantageous match. He was a wealthy merchant who owned a store in town, now located diagonally from the Fredericksburg Library. He served in the House of Burgess, the Spotsylvania Militia, and was a Vestryman at St. George’s Parish. In 1752, he purchased approximately 1,300 acres in town and asked George Washington to survey 861 of them to build a plantation for his new wife. The home is located at 1201 Washington Ave in Spotsylvania.
Now, you have to remember that the town of Fredericksburg proper was Sophia Street, which ran along the banks of the Rappahannock River. All streets back then were in Spotsylvania. In 1879, after the Civil War ended, it was decided to expand Fredericksburg’s limits to what it is today. Kenmore was not named Kenmore until the 19th century when the Gordon family owned it. The house features Georgian architecture and boasts gorgeous plaster of Paris artwork, which was added around 1775. The kitchen was a separate building detached from the house, as was common in those days, due to the high risk of fire spreading to the rest of the house. Interestingly, the front of Kenmore today is actually the rear. The front has a beautiful portico added in the 19th century, looking toward the river. It features a slate roof and a side entrance where the servants would come and go between the kitchen and the house.
Betty's Role on the Plantation
As with all plantation women, Betty oversaw the day-to-day activities and managed the plantation while Fielding was away. It has been reported that the Lewises had over 80 enslaved people working the plantation. Betty was expected to manage farming activities, run the house, ensure her children received proper education, attend and host social activities, and tend to her gardens. A lot was expected from women like her, both socially and economically.
Betty bore 11 children but tragically lost five during infancy. She raised six of her own and her two stepchildren. With the start of the Revolution, the Lewises were strong Patriots. War is expensive, and the colonies were already struggling with English tariffs and taxes. Like many wealthy Patriots, the Lewises helped finance the war efforts, expecting the Commonwealth to repay them. Betty was a strong supporter of the revolution. From their store, the Lewises supplied clothing, bacon, salt, and other items to the troops. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth owed them around 7,000 pounds and never repaid it.
Facing Adversity
Fielding died in 1781 after the Battle of Yorktown, leaving Betty in massive debt and with few ways to support herself financially. At 48, she was resourceful. She sold land, hired out her enslaved workers for tasks, and started a small boarding school at Kenmore to make ends meet. Her mother, Mary, lived just a few streets away on Charles Street in Fredericksburg, so it’s likely she saw her mother often. George was also a frequent visitor. In 1789, Betty suffered another loss when her mother died from breast cancer. George was in charge of Mary’s estate but delegated the logistics to Betty, showcasing her intelligence and ability to handle business affairs.
Betty managed to live in her home for 14 years after Fielding's death. In 1795, she moved to Western View in Culpeper to live with her daughter, Betty Carter. Betty passed away at the age of 64 on March 31, 1797, and was buried on her daughter’s property. Her plantation was sold less than a month after her death.
A Woman of Strength and Resilience
Betty had lived in that house for 40 years. In a time when women were often not educated beyond social etiquette, she proved to be industrious, politically savvy, and intelligent. She oversaw the running of a plantation, cared for her children, found ways to earn money to keep it afloat, and managed her mother’s estate for her brother. For such a foundational member of Fredericksburg, she remains relatively unknown, overshadowed by her brother George. However, I hope this blog post fosters a newfound appreciation for her contributions and sacrifices to our city and country.
The Fight to Preserve Kenmore
Fast forward to 1922. Kenmore and its property went on the market, slated for commercialization at the price of $30,000 (approximately $579,000 today). The Fredericksburg’s Washington-Lewis Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution could not stand by and watch the home of a Patriot who lost everything to fund American Independence be destroyed. This group of women decided to establish The Kenmore Association to raise the $30,000 needed to preserve this foundational structure and land. They believed that every person had the right to be a part of saving Kenmore by becoming a member of the association.
With the association in place, they set to work garnering interest and funding. The Daily Star noted, “If this project succeeds, and the word FAIL cannot be found in the vocabulary of Fredericksburg women, the airy, spacious, and attractive rooms of Kenmore will be thrown open to various patriotic organizations and as a depository for historic relics.” They believed Kenmore belonged to Fredericksburg and every American citizen.
The charter was issued on May 7, 1922. Emily was elected president, her daughter Mrs. H.H. Smith was elected secretary, and several other women got to work. Fleming personally wrote hundreds of letters asking for financial support. The biggest boost to her cause came when Calvin Coolidge, then Vice President, visited Fredericksburg and gave an address in support of saving Kenmore. He stated, “Kenmore is well fitted to rank with the home of Jefferson, Mason, or Lee or of Mount Vernon itself. It ought to be preserved for its own sake. It must be preserved for the sake of patriotic America.” That did it! Funding started to come in—$1,000 here, $1,000 there. By May 1925, just three years later, Kenmore was officially dedicated as a national shrine, owned and saved by the Kenmore Association. The association raised the entire $30,000 through private donations, with no federal or state funds contributed. Fleming was honored for her contributions and perseverance at the dedication.
Restoring Kenmore to Its Former Glory
Now came the task of raising money to restore Kenmore to its former colonial glory. The 1922 house had yellow paint on the outside, which was removed, and an additional wing added later was taken down, leaving the two detached structures (the kitchen and what would become the gift shop for a season). In 1926, it was reported that the association received several gifts, two of particular interest being a piece of a vest worn by Washington, given by his great-great-niece, Mrs. Lucy Lewis McConnell from Berryville, and a picture embroidered by a descendant of Betty Washington.
In conclusion, the story of Betty Washington and the preservation of Kenmore is a testament to the resilience and dedication of women throughout history. Their efforts not only saved a physical structure but also ensured that the legacy of those who came before us would not be forgotten. As we reflect on these stories, let us remember the importance of preserving our history and honoring those who have shaped it.
Sources
Article clipped from The Free Lance-Star. (1934, May 7). Newspapers.com. The Free Lance-Star
Article clipped from The Free Lance-Star. (1925, May 12). Newspapers.com. The Free Lance-Star
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