Here’s Your Guide to Exploring the Historic U.S. Route 1

Spanning from Maine to the southern tip of Florida, U.S. Route 1 is one of the nation’s longest highways. While most of Route 1 parallels busy Interstate 95, Route 1 gives drivers a chance to get off the beaten path and explore historical sites and experience sweeping vistas. When you’re ready to explore Route 1 through Virginia and learn about the historical significance of this major roadway, use this handy guide that our team at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC put together.

History of U.S. Route 1

When the first European settlers arrived in Virginia in 1607, they discovered a network of trails used by the Indigenous People and animals that lived in the area. As the colony of settlers grew, so did the interconnecting trails, which soon were enlarged to accommodate wagons carrying supplies into Jamestown Fort.

In 1705, the Virginia legislature passed the New Road Act requiring all male citizens to help build and expand the road system. By the late 18th century, the Great Wagon Road extended from Pennsylvania to Georgia, and in 1913 the Daughters of the American Revolution passed a resolution to call this new roadway the Jefferson Davis Highway. Today, the Jefferson Davis Highway is known as U.S. Route 1.

Visit Woodlawn and the Pope-Leighy House

Image via Flickr by roger4336

The stately Woodlawn mansion was built in 1805 and was presented to Nelly Curtis and Lawrence Lewis by George Washington. The couple used the home while over 90 enslaved people worked the plantation surrounding the mansion. Today, the estate and plantation are essential because they help tell the story of enslaved people in Colonial times.

Adjacent to the mansion is the Frank Lloyd Wright Pope-Leighy House. This property is one of Frank Lloyd-Wright’s first homes that he designed to represent Usonian architecture. Both Woodlawn & the Pope-Leighy House are owned and managed by the National Historic Preservation Trust and can be found at 9000 Richmond Highway in Alexandria.

See Where George Washington Lived in Mount Vernon

Move south down U.S. Route 1 to Mount Vernon to see where the first president of the United States, George Washington, called home. To get the most out of your visit to Mount Vernon, take a guided tour of the mansion, the grounds, gardens, barnyard, and Washington’s tomb. You’ll learn interesting facts about George and Martha Washington as well as what life in Virginia was like during the 1800s. The mansion and grounds are located at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway.

After you visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon, stop in nearby Woodbridge to enjoy a frozen treat at any of these five top-rated ice cream shops in Woodbridge.

Learn About Medicinal Herbs at Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop

While the town of Fredericksburg has numerous historical buildings and sites to visit, one of particular interest is a unique little building called the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop. Managed today by the Washington Heritage Museums, the shop, built in 1772, was once home to Dr. Hugh Mercer, who dispensed herbs and medicines to the citizens of Fredericksburg.

Those in need of medical attention also visited the apothecary shop to treat minor wounds or ailments. In addition, visiting the shop and museum is an excellent way to see how modern medicine has advanced in curing disease and surgical practices. You can find the Hugh Mercer Apocothery Shop at 1020 Caroline St. in Fredericksburg.

Stop for Lunch at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Heading farther south toward Richmond, you’ll want to make a stop at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. This living museum is one of the nation’s most renowned botanical gardens with over 50 acres of landscaped gardens, from the healing garden to the Cherry Tree Walk. You’ll be in awe of the striking architecture of the large glass conservatory with thousands of plants housed within. Let the kids play in the playground to burn off some energy and then stop at the Garden Cafe for lunch.

Read Manuscripts at the Edgar Allen Poe Museum

While originally hailing from Boston, Edgar Allen Poe spent many of his writing years in Richmond, Virginia. When you visit the Poe Museum, be sure to visit the Old Stone House, the oldest house in Richmond. See a bust of Edgar Allen Poe in the outside Poe Shrine, and wander through the grounds and enchanted gardens that were first open to the public in 1922.

Once inside the museum, you can see a vast collection of memorabilia and some of his writings and artifacts. You can view first edition manuscripts written by Poe as well as personal letters and images. The Poe Museum is located at 1914 Main St. in Richmond.

Stretch Your Legs at Whittle’s Mill Historic Site and Park

As you finish up your U.S. Route 1 adventure near South Hill, take some time to get outside to see the numerous old water mills built along the Meherrin River. The mills were built before the Civil War, some before even the Revolutionary War, and are in various states of ruin.

One of the best-preserved mills in the park, the Whittle’s Mill Dam was recently named to the National Register of Historic Places. On a warm afternoon, you can take a refreshing dip in the river as you gaze at the stunning waterfalls. Stop at 1793 Bridge Road in South Hill to enjoy Whittle’s Mill Historic Site and Park.

Visit Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC To Sell Your Car

Now that fall is here, consider upgrading your vehicle to a new model or a newer pre-owned car at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC. We are happy to buy your vehicle from you, or if you prefer, you can even trade it in for your newer one. It’s a breeze to get a quick appraisal of the value of your car with our simple-to-use online estimator. Once you have your estimate, our team at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC will buy your vehicle and, if you want, get you into a new one right away.

Image via Flickr by roger4336

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