Shiloh Baptist Church 🇺🇸

Discover the Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site), a historic sanctuary located at 801 Sophia Street in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia. As you approach this historic site, you will see a two-story brick building featuring predominantly Classical Revival styling, modeled in part after the Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg. The roots of this resilient African-American congregation trace all the way back to a mixed-race Baptist congregation founded in 1804. The community officially became known as Shiloh Baptist Church after constructing a new sanctuary at this location in the 1830s, following an earlier congregational split around 1815.

In 1849, the congregation divided once more when most white members left to establish a separate church. During the American Civil War, services were discontinued, and the building suffered severe damage from military occupation, eventually collapsing in 1886. The present brick structure was completed in 1890 as a replacement. A subsequent schism led to the adoption of the distinct name "Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site)," a title the active congregation retains to this day.

Recognized for its deep history, the church was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. It remains an inspiring historic stop for visitors exploring Fredericksburg.

What to see at Shiloh Baptist Church

• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015
• Predominantly Classical Revival two-story brick architecture built in 1890
• Historic African-American congregation with origins dating back to 1804
• Located at 801 Sophia Street in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia

Visiting tips

Take time to admire the Classical Revival brick architecture from Sophia Street while learning about the site's Civil War history.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Shiloh Baptist Church is easy to reach on Fredericksburg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg and St. George's Episcopal Church. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Fredericksburg travel guide.