About

ca. 1772 This eighteenth-century building was restored to house the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, a museum of medicine, pharmacy, and military and political affairs. Dr. Mercer served the citizens of Fredericksburg with medicines and treatments of the time. Leeches, lancets, snakeroot, and crab claws made up just some of the remedies. Dr. Mercer practiced medicine for fifteen years in Fredericksburg. His patients included Mary Washington. Dr. Mercer left his practice to join the Revolutionary army and died as a Brigadier General at the Battle of Princeton. Costumed interpreters lead a tour of the first floor of the museum. As part of the tour, guests may visit the second floor and gardens at their leisure. There are selected books available for purchase at the Apothecary. The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop is one of Washington Heritage Museums and is within short walking distance of its other sites: The Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern, and St. James' House.