UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fred A. Seaton, Secretary
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Conrad L. Wirth, Director
HISTORICAL HANDBOOK NUMBER TWENTY-SIX
This publication is one of a series of handbooks describing thehistorical and archeological areas in the National Park Systemadministered by the National Park Service of the United StatesDepartment of the Interior. It is printed by the GovernmentPrinting Office and may be purchased from the Superintendent ofDocuments, Washington 25, D. C. Price 25 cents.
GEORGE WASHINGTON BIRTHPLACE
National Monument
Virginia
by J. Paul Hudson
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORICAL HANDBOOK SERIES No. 26
Washington, D. C., 1956
The National Park System, of which George WashingtonBirthplace National Monument is a unit, is dedicated toconserving the scenic, scientific, and historic heritageof the United States for the benefit andenjoyment of its people.
Contents
- Page
- JOHN WASHINGTON 5
- LAWRENCE WASHINGTON 6
- AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON 10
- Early Life 10
- First Marriage 10
- Purchase of Popes Creek Farm 12
- Building the Birthplace Home 12
- The Birthplace 12
- Second Marriage 14
- Virginia in 1732 14
- GEORGE WASHINGTON 16
- THE DISASTROUS FIRE 22
- A CENTURY OF NEGLECT 23
- THE SAVING OF WASHINGTON’S BIRTHPLACE 27
- GUIDE TO THE AREA 33
- HOW TO REACH THE MONUMENT 43
- ABOUT YOUR VISIT 43
- RELATED AREAS 44
- ADMINISTRATION 44
- SUGGESTED READINGS 44
George Washington, colonel of the Virginia militia at the age of 40. From apainting by Charles Willson Peale. Courtesy, Washington and Lee University.