Located on the Rappahannock River near the head of navigation at the fall line, Fredericksburg developed as the frontier of colonial Virginia shifted west out of the coastal plain. The Virginia General Assembly established a fort on the Rappahannock in 1676, just below the present-day city. 

George Washington spent much of his early life here, his family moved to Ferry Farm in Stafford County just off the Rappahannock opposite Fredericksburg in 1738. George Washington was made a mason in Fredricksburg Lodge.

 Washington's mother Mary later moved to the city, and his sister Betty lived at Kenmore, a plantation house then outside the city. Other significant early residents include the Revolutionary War generals Hugh Mercer and George Weedon, naval war hero John Paul Jones, and future U.S. president James Monroe.

During the American Civil War, Fredericksburg gained strategic importance due to its location midway between Washington and Richmond, the opposing capitals of the Union and the Confederacy. During the battle of Fredericksburg, December 11-15, 1862, the town sustained significant damage due to bombardment and looting at the hands of Union forces. 

Other historic buildings and museums include the late 18th century Rising Sun Tavern,that was owned by Lawrence Washington, George Washington's brother. Nearby points of interest include George Washington Birthplace National Monument, located 38 miles to the east in Westmoreland County, and the Ferry Farm historic site in Stafford County where Washington spent his boyhood across the river from Fredericksburg.

Fredericksburg National Cemetery, , is located on Marye’s Heights on the Fredericksburg battlefield and contains more than 15,000 Union burials from the area’s battlefields.