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The Richard Johnston Inn & 1890 Caroline House, About Us

The Richard Johnston Inn & 1890 Caroline House

The Richard Johnston Inn & 1890 Caroline House, About Us

The Richard Johnston Inn is a distinct upscale 18th century Inn, constructed in 1770 by architect John Taylor, one of the original signers of The Declaration of Independence. In the 1800’s, the building was home to the Mayor of Fredericksburg, the Inn’s namesake, Richard Johnston. The award winning Inn offers seven beautifully appointed and luxurious guest rooms, 2 suites and caters to small, intimate weddings and other special events in our courtyard and parlors. Our air-conditioned guest rooms have private bathrooms and complimentary toiletries. A delicious breakfast is included with your stay and served daily in our beautiful dining room. For reservations, please call 540-899-7606.

The Richard Johnston Inn is located in the heart of historic downtown Fredericksburg, VA, within walking distance to many restaurants, historic venues and quaint shops as well as to The University of Mary Washington.

The 1890 Caroline House was built in 1890, Victorian-esque home provides guests a delicious blend of history, elegance, and modern day luxury. The 1890 Caroline House is conveniently located in the heart of Historic Fredericksburg, Virginia just a block from the train station servicing Amtrak and VRE to Washington and Richmond. For reservations, please call 540-899-7606.

About the Inns

The Richard Johnston Inn, About the Inn

The Richard Johnston Inn and The 1890 Caroline House are just blocks from the Fredericksburg Visitors Center and historic sites including Mary Washington’s House, Fredericksburg Museum, the Rising Sun Tavern, unique shops, and a variety of wonderful restaurants, that are all within walking distance from our Inn.s

For history buffs, visit local battlefield tours to discover the street-to-street fighting that took place during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

The Richard Johnston Inn, About the Inn

The Richard Johnston Inn and 1890 Caroline House are ideal for your vacation, weekend retreat, business trip, conference, a history experience, or a romantic getaway.

We offer complimentary off street parking, corporate and military discounts, and train station pick-ups.

Guest rooms feature a private bathroom, flat screen television, and high-speed wireless Internet access.  A laptop and printer is available in our living room at The Richard Johnston Inn.

The Richard Johnston Inn, About the Inn

Complimentary breakfast is served at 9:00 a.m. seven days a week, unless another time is specified at check-in.

Children 12 and older are welcome to stay with their family in two of our lovely rooms for an additional $30 per night per child. Exceptions can be made for younger children on a case-by- case basis. Please call us with any questions.

Please contact us for our Pet Policy. We have two rooms that can accommodate a pet. located at The Richard Johnston Inn.   For an additional $50 per night per pet (max of 2 pets per room), you can choose from 2 rooms off the Courtyard. There are no accommodations for pets at The 1890 Caroline House.   See Inn Policies & FAQ for more information.

Our Awards

  • Chosen by Southern Living Readers Choice Awards as “One of the Best Bed and Breakfast in the South”
  • Voted “The Best of Washington for Weekend Get Aways” by The Washingtonian
  • Voted “Best in the Burg” by readers of the local newspaper, The Front Porch
  • The Washington Post states: “In less than an hour from Washington, you can feel far, far away by visiting Historic Fredericksburg and The Richard Johnston Inn

Our History

Elopements

The Richard Johnston Inn, Downtown Elopements

Looking for a place to have an intimate elopement in the heart of historic downtown Fredericksburg, VA?  Look no further than The Richard Johnston Inn!    We offer either an inside or outside space for your special day. For a $850 fee, this will secure either space from 11am - 3pm for a no fuss event (you provide decor, etc.). Need something with a few more frills?

The Richard Johnston Inn, Downtown Elopements

Then our Elopement Package sounds like the perfect option & includes:

  • 2 night stay in our multi-level suite, The Loft.
  • Breakfast for two each morning.
  • Boutique chocolates upon arrival.
  • Small bouquet and boutonniere.
The Richard Johnston Inn, Downtown Elopements

And:

  • Cake for two.
  • Bottle of champagne.
  • Concierge services to help book your perfect getaway.
  • Photographs will be taken by staff member to commemorate your special day.

Please call (540) 899-7606 and speak to Liz for pricing and availability.

Our Sister Properties

L & L Hospitality

L & L Hospitality

Dedicated to excellence, L & L Hospitality Group operates five, one-of-a-kind-properties, each with its own distinctive personality. All of our Inns are committed to providing guests with an exceptionally memorable experience, whether it be a casual golf outing, a refreshing beach weekend, an historic bed and breakfast indulgence, or a Four-Star dining experience.

Our Properties

Inn at Evergreen, Haymarket, VA

The Ashby Inn & Restaurant Paris, VA Distinguished Inn & Restaurant

Windemere Inn by the Sea, Indialantic, FL (Beach Paradise)

Testimonials

The Richard Johnston Inn, Testimonials

The inn is a beautiful old property and my suite lacked nothing for comfort. There were even Hershey's chocolates in a bowl. And the lighting -- so poor at even the priciest places -- was excellent. the new innkeeper, was warm and helpful, and an excellent breakfast cook, preparing delicious scones and quiches. I met two couples who had been coming to the inn annually for years. When you've found the best, why go anywhere else, they asked. And I second that notion!

The Richard Johnston Inn, Testimonials

The Innkeeper, makes every guest feel welcome and appreciated. She creates this welcoming atmosphere in her staff and you can feel the warmth. The inn is elegant and beautiful. The formal dining room and table make a lovely setting for a creative and delicious breakfast. I was absolutely delighted with my stay. It is in the heart of historic Fredericksburg, an easy walk to many interesting places. It has my highest recommendation.

The Richard Johnston Inn, Testimonials

My family & I stayed in the two garden rooms (Kitchen & Isabella Suite) for a Girl's Spa Weekend. The Inn is beautifully decorated and the staff took care to make us feel relaxed and welcome. Breakfast was delicious! Great location in the hear of downtown Fredericksburg & especially convenient to the spa that we visited across the street. Rooms were comfortable, great off-street parking, and convenience!

Civil War History of Fredericksburg

The Richard Johnston Inn, About Us, Civil War History of Fredericksburg

Before the Slaughter

Nothing — from the campaign’s earliest days back in November, to this morning’s attempt to finally bridge the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg — had gone as planned for the Army of the Potomac. It was mid-afternoon, December 11, 1862. No bridges yet spanned the river. No Federals yet occupied the southern bank. No advance had taken place.

The Richard Johnston Inn, About Us, Civil War History of Fredericksburg

America's Battleground

Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania--this is America's battleground, where the Civil War roared to its bloody climax. No place more vividly reflects the War's tragic cost in all its forms. A town bombarded and looted. Farms large and small ruined. Refugees by the thousands forced into the countryside. More than 85,000 men wounded; 15,000 killed--most in graves unknown. See http://www.nps.gov/frsp/index.htm

The Richard Johnston Inn, About Us, Civil War History of Fredericksburg

Battle of Fredericksburg

Battle of Fredericksburg, (December 13, 1862), bloody engagement of the American Civil War fought at Fredericksburg, Virginia; its outcome—a crushing Union defeat—immeasurably strengthened the Confederate cause. General A.E. Burnside, newly appointed commander of the Northern forces, planned to cross the Rappahannock River with an army of more than 120,000 troops and advance on the Southern capital at Richmond. Confederate General Robert E. Lee countered by taking a strong position on high ground behind Fredericksburg with a force of about 78,000. The attack on December 13 proved a complete failure, and Burnside’s casualties totaled more than 12,500, compared to only about 5,000 for the carefully entrenched Confederates.

General Burnside was relieved of his command the following month and has been severely criticized by historians for his conduct of this battle. Once again the Union had failed in what should have been its main objective—destruction of the Army of Northern Virginia. Richmond seemed as far away as ever. For the South, the victory restored morale lost after Lee’s retreat from Maryland following his unsuccessful Antietam campaign in September. See http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/218099/Battle-of-Fredericksburg

The Richard Johnston Inn, About Us, Civil War History of Fredericksburg

The Federals occupy Fredericksburg

On this day in 1862, the Union Army of the Potomac occupies Fredericksburg, Virginia, as General Ambrose Burnside continues to execute his plan to capture the Confederate capital at Richmond, Virginia. However, the occupation did not happen until three weeks after Burnside's army had arrived at Falmouth, Virginia, just across the river from Fredericksburg. Due to a logistical error, pontoon bridges had not been available so the army could not cross; the delay allowed Confederate General Robert E. Lee ample time to post his Army of Northern Virginia along Marye's Heights above Fredericksburg.

Burnside replaced General George McClellan as head of the Army of the Potomac in early November 1862. He devised a plan to move his army quickly down the Rappahannock River, cross the river, and race Lee's army south to Richmond. Everything went according to plan as the Yankees sped south from Warrenton, Virginia. Burnside surprised Lee with his swiftness--the leading Union corps covered 40 miles in two days. The entire army was at Falmouth by November 19. Although ready to cross the Rappahannock, the army did not begin receiving the pontoon bridges until the end of the month due to mistakes made by the engineering corps. The delay allowed Lee to move his troops into position on the opposite side of the river. President Abraham Lincoln visited his army at the end of November, and, realizing that the element of surprise was lost, characterized Burnside's plan as "somewhat risky."

On December 11, Burnside's engineers finally began to assemble the bridges. Confederate snipers in Fredericksburg picked away at the builders, so Yankee artillery began a barrage that reduced to rubble many of the buildings along the river. Three regiments ran the sharpshooters out of the town, and the bridge was completed soon after. By evening on the 11th, the Union army was crossing the Rappahannock. By the next day, the entire army was on the other side and Burnside planned the actual attack.

The Battle of Fredericksburg, which took place on December 13, was an enormous defeat for the Army of the Potomac. Lee lost less than 5,000 men while Burnside lost some 12,600.

Fredericksburg Area Attractions

The Richard Johnston Inn, About Us, Features, Fredericksburg Area Attractions

Carriage Ride

We look forward to your visit! Fredericksburg is filled with all types of activities and attractions to make your vacation be whatever you want it to be. Whether you are interested in history, shopping, or a little bit of both, Fredericksburg has it all...and The Richard Johnston Inn provides an excellent homebase for all of your adventures. We have the horses back in town! We have a new carriage ride located across the street at The Visitors Center - tour Old Town Fredericksburg by carriage as our ancestors did.

The Richard Johnston Inn, About Us, Features, Fredericksburg Area Attractions

Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg, VA

Tours for the daily downtown trolley start at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, located at 706 Caroline Street in Fredericksburg, Va. Tickets may be purchased online until 9:00 AM. Then same-day tickets are sold at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center.

The Richard Johnston Inn, About Us, Features, Fredericksburg Area Attractions

The Richard Johnston Inn is Pet Friendly

We welcome and accommodate pets in 2 rooms off of the courtyard, (The Kitchen House and Isabella's Suite) with an additional $50 fee. Contact us to learn about our pet policy.

The Richard Johnston Inn, About Us, Features, Fredericksburg Area Attractions

The Richard Johnston Inn Courtyard

Our lovely courtyard is located behind the Inn just off of our private parking area. Come relax by our flower garden or our water fountain. It is the perfect place to unwind after a day of touring the many sites that our wonderful historic City has to offer.

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Reservations

 

The Richard Johnston Inn and 1890 Caroline House, located in the heart of Fredericksburg Virginia.
Join us for a relaxing weekend or weekday visit. Enjoy our walkable historic town with shopping, eateries and more. A delicious homemade breakfast is included with your stay. For more information, please call (540) 899-7606 or book directly online. We are available 9am-5pm Monday- Sunday. We look forward to welcoming you!

Call now to reserve your spot for our Tea on Monday, January 20, 2025

The Richard Johnston Inn, About Us, Features, Fredericksburg Area Attractions