As George Washington’s Ferry Farm prepares to celebrate the reconstruction of the Washington house, we traveled around George’s hometown – Fredericksburg, Virginia – to visit a few places important in the transformation of George from boy to man. George Washington’s education as a boy at Ferry Farm included copying The Rules of Civility and Decent … Continue reading George’s Hometown: St. George’s Church
George Washington
George’s Hometown: Ferry Farm
As George Washington’s Ferry Farm prepares to celebrate the reconstruction of the Washington house, we traveled around George’s hometown – Fredericksburg, Virginia – to visit a few places important in the transformation of George from boy to man. George Washington lived at Ferry Farm from age 6 (1738) to around age 22 (~1754). At Ferry … Continue reading George’s Hometown: Ferry Farm
The Fox: A Bygone Symbol of Liberty
“There is no man who hates the power of the crown more, or who has a worse opinion of the Person to whom it belongs than I.” - Charles James Fox, letter to Edmund Burke, 24 January 1779. Quoted in L. G. Mitchell, Charles James Fox (1997:41). “It is intolerable that it should be in the … Continue reading The Fox: A Bygone Symbol of Liberty
Three Military Adventures that Inspired George Washington
“I heard Bulletts whistle and believe me there was something charming in the sound.”[1] -- George Washington Before his first brush with battle, three military adventures worked together to charm and inspire young George Washington’s fascination with the military and helped push him to pursue a career as a soldier in Virginia’s militia and then as … Continue reading Three Military Adventures that Inspired George Washington
George Washington’s Troublesome Teeth
It’s probably the myth that is more enduring and widespread than any other about George Washington. At some point from someone, you have heard that George Washington’s false teeth were made of wood. It is not true. In reality, his dentures and dental tribulations were more complex than the familiar myth says. The true story, … Continue reading George Washington’s Troublesome Teeth
The Marriage of Mary Ball and Augustine Washington
March 6, 2017 was the 286th wedding anniversary of Augustine and Mary Ball Washington, George Washington’s amazing parents. In addition to calling to mind how grateful we are for their role in raising the boy who would become our courageous General and first president, this anniversary also provides us with an opportunity to discuss the circumstances … Continue reading The Marriage of Mary Ball and Augustine Washington
Photos: Washington Memorabilia
Happy Birthday, George!! Two-hundred and eighty five years ago today on February 22, 1732, George Washington was born. Americans have commemorating his birth and his life for centuries, since he rose to prominence as the commanding general of the Continental Army and the nation's very first president. For centuries, his likeness has been added to … Continue reading Photos: Washington Memorabilia
Five Notable Americans Named George Washington
Parents, perhaps hoping to spur their offspring to similar greatness, have named their children George Washington ever since the most famous George Washington rose to prominence as commander of the Continental Army and the nation’s first president. Few other George Washingtons ultimately achieved the original’s stature, although a few perhaps came close. As we mark … Continue reading Five Notable Americans Named George Washington
Digging Up a Card Table
Tantalizing evidence of historic furniture use exists within the soils of George Washington’s Ferry Farm and that evidence gives us a more complete view of how the Washington family lived in the 1700s. The hundreds of items archaeologists and students have uncovered represent the remains of furniture broken or embellishments lost. The ruthless outdoor elements … Continue reading Digging Up a Card Table
Election Day in the 1700s
It’s Election Day! From early morning until after dark, voters in Virginia and across the United States are walking into libraries, schools, firehouses, community centers, city halls and, occasionally, even private homes. Once inside, they are given a paper ballot, punch card or, although still relatively rare, may be directed to a touch screen. The … Continue reading Election Day in the 1700s
Lives & Legacies 