In 1824, the United States was approaching its national jubilee—50 years of independence. President James Monroe, looking to create a wave of patriotism and celebration, invited the last surviving General of the American Revolutionary War, an American hero and icon, to take a grand tour of the country revitalizing the “spirit of 1776.” That American … Continue reading “The Spirit of ’76”: Lafayette’s Visits Fredericksburg on His American Tour
France
Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
Not every president gets their birthday celebrated every year with a federal holiday, but George Washington, a favorite of his countrymen and the first president, has had that privilege since 1879. But one year was a little different from the others: 1932. It marked Washington’s 200th birthday, and the United States was going to make … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
Family Ties: An American Princess
The George Washington Foundation believes the Washington and Lewis families' story is worth protecting for future generations. We are in contact with many descendants of the Washingtons and Lewises who have assisted the foundation in presenting the families' legacies by adding to our collections and archives. We decided to explore the ancestors and descendants interesting … Continue reading Family Ties: An American Princess
Lives & Legacies 