Upon This Land: History, Mystery, & Monuments

George Washington Birthplace National Monument - National Park Service
  • 4.8 (4)
  • History
  • Monthly Series

For many visitors, George Washington Birthplace National Monument is a surprisingly complex historic site. It is a place where people come to remember George Washington, but also find a story of how the past can be lost, reshaped, or rediscovered. Historical documents and archeological resources that contain critical information about the lives of all who inhabited this land are only beginning to be understood. Join us as we explore the history, mysteries, and monuments of the park.

  1. Episode 1

    The Power of Place

    On this episode, we interview Dr. Philip Levy, the author of a new historic resource study for George Washington Birthplace National Monument (GEWA). He breaks down how he began studying the Washington family and his involvement with unraveling some of the mysteries surrounding George Washington’s birthplace. Intro music courtesy of Wolf Patrol. Outro music courtesy of Brumbaugh Family

  2. Episode 2

    The Power of Mystery

    On this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest mysteries of the park, and that's its name. We know George Washington was born at Popes Creek, but when we think of the term birthplace, we might also conjure a building. Yet, by the time the park was created in the 1930s, there was no longer a building here to preserve. Helping us shed light on this mystery is Dr. Philip Levy. Intro music courtesy of Wolf Patrol. Outro music courtesy of Brumbaugh Family

  3. Episode 3

    The Power of Story

    On this episode, we are going to dive into some of the oldest oral traditions about the home George Washington was born in. It is not hard to find references to Wakefield being the birthplace of George Washington but who gave it that name and when? Another big one is the ultimate fate of the house. Joining us again during this episode is Dr. Philip Levy. Intro music courtesy of Wolf Patrol. Outro music courtesy of Brumbaugh Family.

  4. Episode 4

    The Power of Art

    Today, art thrives in our national parks. The sights and sounds in national parks inspire artists who communicate that inspiration through painting, photography, poetry, and more. But how do you take intangible inspiration from a site like this and turn it into art? On this episode we are going to ask that question to our most recent volunteer artist in residence. Joining us during this episode is Selene Jarvis. Intro music courtesy of Wolf Patrol. Outro music courtesy of Brumbaugh Family.

  5. Episode 5

    The Power of Change

    The Washington family lived on the Maddox Neck for seven generations, and just like most families today, they had neighbors. The Latane family lived alongside the Washingtons during the colonial era and after. They, just like other families here, would have seen their community transform into a federal monument to honor George Washington in the late 1800s. Join us as we listen to parts of a 1976 interview with James Latane, who was born in 1888, and lived near the park his entire life. Intro - Wolf Patrol

  6. Episode 6

    Summer of 1864 at Pope’s Creek

    In June of 1864, 475 men of the 36th United States Colored Troops embarked across the Potomac into Westmoreland County and the Northern Neck of Virginia during the Civil War. Their expedition began here at Pope's Creek, near the site of George Washington's birthplace. This month marks the 160th anniversary of the raid. Guest interpreter Steward Henderson joins us from Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP to tell the story. Intro music courtesy of Wolf Patrol. Outro music courtesy of Brumbaugh Family

  7. Episode 7

    America’s Semiquincentennial in Virginia

    On July 4th, 2026, the National Park Service will join the nation in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. We have already started planning for this national event and today we are going to get a behind the scenes look at what is to come. Joining us today is our very special guest, Cheryl Wilson. Cheryl Wilson serves as the executive director for the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission. Intro music courtesy of Wolf Patrol. Outro music courtesy of Brumbaugh Family.

  8. Episode 8

    The Northern Neck

    Every story has a beginning, a middle, and an end, but sometimes those three pieces are not enough. On this episode of our podcast, we set the stage for how the Washington story began here. Who was living here before the arrival of John Washington in 1657? What were their lives like? Even at national parks that are based around historic events like ours, we find that the prologue can reveal important parts of our national heritage. Intro music courtesy of Wolf Patrol.

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4.8
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About

For many visitors, George Washington Birthplace National Monument is a surprisingly complex historic site. It is a place where people come to remember George Washington, but also find a story of how the past can be lost, reshaped, or rediscovered. Historical documents and archeological resources that contain critical information about the lives of all who inhabited this land are only beginning to be understood. Join us as we explore the history, mysteries, and monuments of the park.

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