St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church 🇺🇸

If you are exploring the rich history of Fredericksburg, Virginia, a visit to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church offers a fascinating look into the area's spiritual and civic past. Located at the corner of Stafford Avenue and William Street, this active parish is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Arlington and operates Holy Cross Academy as its grade school.

When you visit, you will be standing at a modern site dedicated in 1971, which expanded over time to include a rectory built in 1974 and a Parish Activities Center added in 1976. To truly appreciate the parish, it helps to understand its roots. The original parish was established in 1858 on Princess Anne Street as the Fredericksburg Mission, served by priests traveling from Richmond.

During the American Civil War, that historical structure took on a crucial role as a hospital and storehouse. It later welcomed its first resident pastor in 1871 and served the congregation until 1970. While the original building was sold and eventually converted into law offices and apartments, the current church complex on Stafford Avenue and William Street continues this long-standing community legacy today.

What to see at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

• Located at the corner of Stafford Avenue and William Street in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
• Part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Arlington and home to Holy Cross Academy grade school.
• Features a church dedicated in 1971, a 1974 rectory, and a 1976 Parish Activities Center.
• Traces its roots back to 1858 when it was established as the Fredericksburg Mission.
• Original Princess Anne Street building served as a hospital and storehouse during the Civil War.

Visiting tips

When touring Fredericksburg, note that while the active church sits on Stafford Avenue and William Street, the parish's original 1858 site on Princess Anne Street now houses law offices and apartments.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic 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.