George Washington was the oldest of Augustine and Mary Washington’s five children. The next oldest was daughter Betty, who was born 14 months after George and was his only sister. George and Betty are immensely important to us at George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore. They spent their formative years at Ferry Farm and … Continue reading Family Leaders Guiding a Younger Generation: George and Betty’s Letters
George Washington
Little George’s Grand Tour of Europe [Photos]
A staff member who works at George Washington’s Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore vacationed in England, Austria, and Hungary last September and October. Little George accompanied her and enjoyed seeing new sites and delving into the history of Europe. As the real George Washington left the shores of North America only once to accompany his … Continue reading Little George’s Grand Tour of Europe [Photos]
George Washington’s “Last Act of Personal Duty”
The Presidential election of 1789 looked quite different than our current election day. For one, the election had to last almost a month to ensure that each state had time for their voters to choose their candidate. Then, in February, the Electoral College announced that Washington would be the first president with a resounding 69 … Continue reading George Washington’s “Last Act of Personal Duty”
Siblings Strained by Revolution: George and Betty’s Wartime Letters
George Washington was the oldest of Augustine and Mary Washington’s five children. The next oldest was daughter Betty, who was born 14 months after George and was his only sister. George and Betty are immensely important to us at George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore. They spent their formative years at Ferry Farm and … Continue reading Siblings Strained by Revolution: George and Betty’s Wartime Letters
True or False? Test Your Knowledge of George Washington!
True or False? George Washington was born in England in 1732? FALSE – Although technically he was born a subject of the King on “English” soil, George was born on his father’s farm on Pope’s Creek in Westmoreland County in the English colony of Virginia in 1732. The site is now the George Washington Birthplace … Continue reading True or False? Test Your Knowledge of George Washington!
Washington’s St. Patrick’s Day General Order
Saint Patrick’s Day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who was born in England and lived during the 5th century. Early in life, he was kidnapped, sold into slavery, and ended up living in Ireland. He is credited with converting the Irish to Christianity, as illustrated in the legendary tale that says he … Continue reading Washington’s St. Patrick’s Day General Order
Little George Goes Back to Pittsburgh [Photos]
A staff member who works at George Washington’s Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore recently visited Pittsburgh. Little George accompanied her and visited places related in some fashion to George Washington's life in the 1700s, the world he lived at that time , or his long legacy as a historic figure national and internationally. Here is … Continue reading Little George Goes Back to Pittsburgh [Photos]
How George Ended Up on the $1 Bill
When you hear the name George Washington, what is the first image that pops into your head? For many people, it is the picture of the first president that adorns the U.S. paper dollar, but have you ever wondered how he ended up there? Since today is National Dollar Day commemorating the day in 1786 … Continue reading How George Ended Up on the $1 Bill
Summer Vacation, 18th Century Style
Despite issues of poor roads, lack of transportation, financial considerations and simply an absence of places to go, colonial Virginians fancied a summer vacation just as much as we do today. In fact, getting out of the city, or away from hot, steamy climates and hordes of mosquitoes in the summer months was actually necessary … Continue reading Summer Vacation, 18th Century Style
The Legend of Mary Washington and the Deadly Lightning Strike
Originally, this post was going to explore colonial America’s fear and fascination with lightning and the practical tools created to help prevent destructive lightning damage. During my research, however, I encountered a tale about Mary Ball Washington and a close encounter with lightning that supposedly traumatized her for the rest of her life. If true, … Continue reading The Legend of Mary Washington and the Deadly Lightning Strike
Lives & Legacies 